Search

The newest step in telecommunications is the integration of computers and communications via telephone. Northern Telecom Ltd. recently introduced its Displayphone. A similar system is offered by Mitel Corp. called the Kontact. Both phones are super sophisticated telephones that can call up data from other computers. They are aimed at business executives who spend a great deal of their time both on the telephone and the computer. The Displayphone is the smaller and less expensive of the two phones. Both phones offer various services such as access to a computer data base, electronic mail services and built-in telephone directories. Later this year, a more expensive version of the Kontact will be available. Called the ExecuWrite II, it will offer full word processing capabilities.

As the use of computers increases to store confidential information the use of passwords to control access to files has become necessary. Computer security experts agree however that the passwords used are often ineffective. They caution against allowing employees to choose their own passwords which are usually easy for them to remember and equally easy for someone else to guess. One method some companies use is to assign passwords and to change them frequently. A consultant in the field also suggests that it is important to make employees fully aware of the need for security passwords.

A system utilizing the microchip is being developed that will enable a record buyer in a store to hear records before making a decision. Components of the system, which uses a Telidon data base, are described. It could also transmit music to the prospective buyer's home. The system could cause great changes in the record industry and some of these are explored. Ideas on the subject by people in the music industry are reported. Photographs illustrate the text.