What, when and how to back up your data.

This article defines and describes the process of backing up data files, which should be undertaken by anyone who routinely uses a computer. The important points to be considered when developing a backup strategy are explained and a résumé given of the backup devices currently available.

An evaluation of the reproducibility of landmark identification using scanned cephalometric images.

OBJECTIVE: A method of cephalometric analysis is described in which cephalometric x-rays were scanned using a flat-bed scanner and transparency hood. Then the image was displayed on a computer monitor for point identification and subsequent cephalometric analysis using dedicated software. The reproducibility of point identification using this method was compared with two other, commonly used, methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study material comprised 25 lateral skull x-rays taken as part of routine orthodontic assessment. Repeat cephalometric point identification was carried out on each x-ray using 3 methods: 1. On-screen digitization of the scanned bitmap image (Screenceph method). 2. Tracing followed by digitization of the identified points and 3. Direct digitization. RESULTS: For the 8 angular and 4 linear cephalometric measurements examined the Screenceph method compared favourably with the two conventional methods. The median difference between methods was 0.5 degrees and 0.2 mm. Using constructed Cartesian axes to examine the x, y discrepancy between repeat measurements and comparing Screenceph to tracing followed by digitization, there were significant differences in 3 instances at the 5% level and 2 instances at the 1% level. These differences represented median scores of 0.14 to 0.32 mm greater for Screenceph. Comparing Screenceph to direct digitization 15 significant differences out of the 28 measurements were noted: six at the 5% level and 9 at the 1% level. The actual difference in median scores ranged from 0.2 mm to 0.53 mm. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that Screenceph is sufficiently accurate to use in a clinical setting but is not yet sufficiently exact for use in research projects owing to hardware limitations.

Speech recognition software.

This article discusses the use of speech recognition software by means of reviewing two leading packages. Both programs require considerable training before they can be used effectively, but are then able to convert continuous speech into text with varying degrees of success.

Internet service providers: choosing the right one.

In order to access the Internet it is necessary to open an account with an Internet Service Provider. This article describes the typical services provided by these companies so that the new subscriber will be in a better position to make an informed choice.

Basic computing for dental practitioners: 1. The principles of computers and computing.

The purpose of this series of six articles is to introduce the interested general dental practitioner to computers and computing, to remove much of the mystery surrounding computers and to explain the technology in straightforward terms. The first two articles will concentrate on the basic principles; later papers will discuss the most commonly used software, practice management systems and multimedia.

Basic computing for dental practitioners: 3. Word processors.

The three computer applications most widely used on personal computers are word processors, spreadsheets and databases. A word processor is essentially a program designed to create, print and store documents and letters. Microsoft Word and Lotus WordPro are examples. The term spreadsheet is used to describe a type of program that is designed to undertake financial, mathematical and even statistical calculations on rows and columns of numeric data. A spreadsheet program is useful for maintaining practice accounts, calculating simple statistics and trying out 'what if' scenarios on numerical data. A database is analogous to a card index system, and is used to store information in a format that facilitates rapid retrieval of data using a multitude of search methods. Many databases are capable of processing this information to generate data summaries, reports and charts based on the search criteria. In this article the basic features of word processing packages are described. Spreadsheets and databases will be discussed in a later paper.

Basic computing for dental practitioners: 5. Practice management systems.

This article examines the specialist software that is commercially available to assist the running of a dental practice. Generically termed 'practice management systems' (PMSs), these programs are designed to help perform many of the clerical, administrative and accounting tasks traditionally carried out manually, in a shorter time and with greater accuracy. PMSs have benefited considerably from advances in computer technology, particularly the increased speed of processors and graphic displays, to the point that they have become a viable alternative to an appointments diary and clinical records.

Basic computing for dental practitioners: 4. Computer applications--spreadsheets and databases.

This article, the fourth in a series, discusses the uses of spreadsheets and databases in the dental practice.

Basic computing for dental practitioners: 6. Multimedia and communication.

This final article in the series on computing for dental practitioners examines multimedia and the Internet. Multimedia is one area where the greatest advances have been made in recent years; almost all PCs marketed today have multimedia capabilities and more and more software is being written with multimedia attributes.

Basic computing for dental practitioners: 2. Peripheral devices and operating systems.

This second article in the series on computing for dental practitioners describes the most common peripheral devices used with a computer and explains operating systems.

An evaluation of a hypertext system for computer-assisted learning in orthodontics.

A computer-assisted learning (CAL) package developed for undergraduate teaching in orthodontics is described. The programme makes use of the principle of 'hypertext'. The ability of undergraduates to learn from the programme is evaluated and compared to students taught conventionally. The opinions of the undergraduates who tried the programme are sought and discussed.

Computer-based learning in orthodontics--a hypertext system.

The computer hypertext system which is described is being used at Birmingham dental hospital to complement the undergraduate training programme in orthodontics. The system is a database of orthodontic information which can be accessed and read in any order. Text screens are linked to numerous graphic images, many of which are interactive. Associated question routines provide a means for student self assessment. The scores from these routines are used to give feedback on student performance and the efficacy of teaching methods. A strength of the programme is the ease of authoring material for inclusion in the database.