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  | isbn    = 0891816607

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While the basic methods of development geology have changed little in recent years, the tools available to the geologist for applying those methods have evolved dramatically. This facet of our work is changing so rapidly that this part of the Manual is likely to become dated faster than any other. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to summarize the current state of computer applications and identify the key components of a workstation.

While the basic methods of [[development geology]] have changed little in recent years, the tools available to the geologist for applying those methods have evolved dramatically. This facet of our work is changing so rapidly that this part of the Manual is likely to become dated faster than any other. Nevertheless, it is worthwhile to summarize the current state of computer applications and identify the key components of a workstation.

Three main approaches have been used in providing computer tools for the geologist. The first was a centrally located mainframe attended by white-coated operators and fed by keypunched card decks, or later, remote video terminals. These have largely been superseded by one or both of the other methods, although mainframes still have their place in certain applications. The second method was fostered by the advent of mini-computers and could best be termed ''distributed computing'', where the computing power was placed in operating regional offices. These computers were often networked together within a company to provide for data sharing and some central databases. The third approach has been the explosion in personal computers, or PCs, over the past decade. Initially only offering what could be termed business applications, there are now numerous geoscience applications available, and a useable development geology workstation can be built solely around a PC.

Three main approaches have been used in providing computer tools for the geologist. The first was a centrally located mainframe attended by white-coated operators and fed by keypunched card decks, or later, remote video terminals. These have largely been superseded by one or both of the other methods, although mainframes still have their place in certain applications. The second method was fostered by the advent of mini-computers and could best be termed ''distributed computing'', where the computing power was placed in operating regional offices. These computers were often networked together within a company to provide for data sharing and some central databases. The third approach has been the explosion in personal computers, or PCs, over the past decade. Initially only offering what could be termed business applications, there are now numerous geoscience applications available, and a useable development geology workstation can be built solely around a PC.