Managing Hardware Decisions, Software Development, and Computer Departments in Developing Countries

Selecting computer hardware and software in these times of rapidly changing technology is a challenge. The distinctions between microcomputers, minicomputers, and mainframes is blurry. Some high-end microcomputers run faster than some low-end minicomputers. Minicomputers can easily handle all but the very largest technical applications. Networks connecting micros, minis, and mainframes provide users with local access to processing as well as connection with large databases and more powerful computing capabilities. Software for earth science applications is abundant. The difficulty is in determining which program is appropriate. Even with the wide selection available, some technical areas are still not very well covered and other solutions are needed. Mining companies commonly use general software such as spreadsheets and database management programs as well as programs for specific geoscience applications. When interfaces are needed, applications are often developed with spreadsheet and database software programming languages and sometimes programming languages such as BASIC and FORTRAN.