Computers as research aids within the Sugar Research Institute

The broad role of computers at Sugar Research Institute can be considered as a resource in which four main areas can be identified. These areas are: data acquisition and experimental control; scientific computation including modelling, simulation and graphics; retrieval of information from scientific publications and exchange of information with other scientific and government institutions; and preparation of documents. The design of the computing resource incorporates practical solutions for each of the above items together with the ability for information to flow readily among the four areas. The selection of a suitable operating system for the main computer, with which the users communicate, is just as important as the performance and reliability of the hardware.