Considerations for use of microcomputers in developing country statistical offices

The report describes a typical NSO; provides an introduction to microcomputer technology and reviews current microcomputer applications in development-related areas; discusses potential problems in using microcomputers in developing countries; provides criteria for microcomputer selection; reviews microcomputer software and specific microcomputer hardware; offers a methodology for introducing microcomputers and guidelines for their use in NSO"s; describes a hypothetical case study of, and documents over 20 actual country case studies of, such use; documents experience at the U.S. Census Bureau"s International Statistical Programs Center (ISPC) with the Apple 2+ and CompuPro microcomputers; and reviews statistical software developed by ISPC. A final chapter summarizes results of the study and provides recommendations on the use of microcomputers in NSO"s. Important considerations in this regard include the need for hardware which can be supported locally, redundancy of equipment in case one system fails, an uninterruptible power supply, and local training resources. Appended are a glossary of computer terms and a 115-item bibliography (1978-83). A special interest directory highlights certain chapters for readers with particular needs.