ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the opportunities offered by advanced microcomputer technologies to developing countries. It examines the character of these technologies and provides information on how these technologies relate to resource assessment, resource utilization, and communication in developing countries. New technologies create new activities. Computer-based production systems have special relevance for developing countries. In some cases, these systems are being used to modernize mature industries in developed countries and reduce the amount of labor-intensive processing farmed out to developing countries. Human and natural resources are the prime assets of every country. Accurate qualitative and quantitative information on these resources is required for effective national planning. In "Natural Resource Analysis, Assessment, and Management," Ted Albert examines the use of microcomputers in the inventory and utilization of natural resources. The productive and economic utilization of a country's resources can also be guided by advanced microcomputer technologies. Communications and information transfer are areas in which computer use is highly developed.
