Microcomputer software exchange at Michigan State University
Beverly Fico Brown · 1985
One of the major concerns of microcomputer users is the expense of obtaining software that meets their needs. With the development of “Freeware” or User Supported Software, users have the opportunity to obtain software which can be evaluated completely before purchase. Michigan State University has two distribution sources for microcomputer software. A User Supported Software Library, placed on a microcomputer, enables members of the University community to copy a package and evaluate it thoroughly before deciding to buy. A second, mainframe-based library, provides a “bulletin board” or online Microcomputer Software Exchange Library. Both libraries require maintenance and management programs. Legal considerations for maintaining the libraries are also discussed.