Computers: Software for All Seasons

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The Logo programming language, which has its roots in the studies of Swiss Psychologist Jean Piaget and research done at M.I.T.'s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, teaches some of the most profound ideas in computer science by having children draw complex geometric patterns with a few simple commands. Versions of Logo have been available on such machines as the Apple, Atari, Commodore and Texas Instruments computers for more than a year. Now Digital Research has introduced Dr. Logo, an expanded edition for the IBM PC and compatible machines that emphasizes the language's ability to manipulate words and ideas. Price: $99.95.

FOR PLAY. No software library would be complete without a finger-twitching arcade game, and one of this season's bestsellers is Broderbund's Lode Runner, a climbing, jumping, chase adventure. The player controls a realistically animated galactic commando, who must recover a fortune in stolen gold before he is nabbed by a gang of bare-chested imperial guards. The program also lets creative gamesters design their own underground labyrinths. For Apple, Atari and Commodore computers: $39.95.

Two years ago, a young programmer named Bill Budge developed the smash hit Raster Blaster, the first computer game that simulated a pinball machine on a video monitor. Now, with Pinball Construction Set, Budge has done himself one better. This program puts the pictures of components on the screen and lets players make their own pinball machines. Flippers, bumpers, launchers and kickers fall easily into place and then perform like the real thing. Players can paint the pinball pieces bright colors, set up complex scoring patterns, or adjust the time, gravity and elasticity of the playing area. An added advantage: a computerized pinball machine will not malfunction because of a tilt. For Apple and Atari computers from Electronic Arts: $40. —By Philip Elmer-DeWitt. Reported by Michael Moritz/San Francisco

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