A Time-Sharing Program Library for Accounting Courses.

Abstract Many colleges and universities are purchasing small time-sharing systems, at relatively low cost. For example, IBM has introduced a new facility which permits up to 31 teletype connections and, when operated at minimum configuration, requires monthly operating costs of less than 8, 000. Furthermore, business schools do not have their own computer, nor must they be connected with a large university which supports a computer. Commercial time-sharing is readily available from several sources, regardless of geographic location. Discounted rates are usually provided for educational use. Fixed costs are typically under 100 per month for the rental of teletype, including maintenance. Cost of operating terminals runs from about 8 to 13 per terminal hour of use, and are expected to be reduced with improvements in hardware and software. According to a survey reported in a recent issue of the journal Datamation, education is the fourth largest user of time-sharing. The increased availability of time-sharing systems and low entry cost have prompted many schools of business to obtain teletype terminals either by outright purchase or through rental contracts.