Issues Related to Microcomputer Agricultural Software Design and Distribution in Developing Countries. Faculty Paper Series 85-6.

This paper deals with the issues related to the design and distribution of microcomputer software, focusing on agricultural software and its users in developing countries (researchers, Extension educators, planners, lenders). The paper is organized in four sections that discuss the following topics: defining the audience and software needs; software evaluation; steps in software development; and software distribution and maintenance support. The paper provides general information about these areas and offers some specific guidance related to software development and development of users' manuals and other consumer helps. Appendixes identify areas in which microcomputers may be used in developing countries for finance and economics and summarize the components of microcomputer software design. (KC)