Computer Applications for Legal Professionals

Introduction This edition ofComputer Applications for Legal Professionalshas been extensively revised and updated. We have maintained most of the same chapter order and basic content of the earlier editions. However, most sections of the book have been rewritten to include state-of-the-art technology. Chapter 8, in particular, has been extensively revised and expanded to cover the growing importance of the Internet in the legal field. We anticipate that this chapter will change greatly from edition to edition, because the Internet is a growing thing, and technology changes rapidly from month to month. Because many users have appreciated the capability to add their own notes to this book, this manual is again presented to you in a three-ring binder, allowing you to incorporate your own applications and allowing us to update the book frequently. We believe that you will be very satisfied with the 2000 version of this manual. Over the last few years, students have become a very computer-literate group and have already moved beyond the basics by the time they seek education in the paralegal profession. Veteran paralegals seeking continuing education to maintain and upgrade their skills are, in many cases, more knowledgeable about computers than the "computer nerds" of old. Therefore, we have expanded the scope of this book to provide more insight into the applications used by legal professionals. Linda M. Furlet How To Use This Text This book is structured to facilitate learning by computer novices. Text For those who already possess a good foundation of computer concepts, the text will serve to enhance the adaptation of existing computer knowledge to applications in the legal field. Each chapter in the text contains an extensive glossary with essential vocabulary. The first reference to each term in a chapter is in bold print for better identification of new terms. Although a complete understanding of these terms may not be obtained from their definitions, the reading of the chapter will be more cohesive if a basic meaning of the terms is grasped. The body of each chapter discusses fundamental computer concepts and their applications in the legal field. Computer concepts are explained in detail and in the context of the legal profession. Legal applications of the computer concepts are explained with actual examples. Suggested laboratory exercises for each chapter, other than the introductory chapter, are presented in the appendices. Each exercise is based on the chapter topic and is recommended in order to provide actual hands-on experience as a practical supplement to the conceptual basics covered in the text. At times, specific, commonly available programs may be named, but any similar program may be used. A description of the functions and general purpose of the exercise is provided in order to enable the reader to substitute other programs that may accomplish similar training goals. A glossary is included at the end of each chapter, and a comprehensive glossary section is provided just before the appendices.Gurdak, John A. is the author of 'Computer Applications for Legal Professionals', published 2000 under ISBN 9780929563534 and ISBN 0929563530.