From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Nov. 20, 1988:

• It was generally agreed that personal computers were making life in the workplace easier in some ways, but users were warned in an article today about the dangers of computer crashes, “a term used to describe a malfunction, an overload where the system shuts itself off, or power has been interrupted.” “One of the first things you do is prepare for a crash,” advised Ken Martinez, president of ASK Associates, 15th and Kasold. “Not only do you have to have a backup system, the hardware, but you need an off-site storage for your data.” Most large grocery stores had converted to computerized operations; the Dillon Super Store at 3000 W. Sixth had computerized its checkout stands and all of its support departments, according to manager Bob Weigel. “We do get pretty excited when [a crash] happens,” Weigel said. “it’s a little disturbing to our customers. We have a backup system that takes over until we can boot the first computer back up again.” Lawrence optometrist Charles Pohl said that he was now using a computer system for billing, accounting, patient communications and analysis of patient profiles. Pohl explained that he ran a backup on magnetic tape at the end of each day to record that day’s transactions. Several other local businesses and organizations also reported using similar systems.
• Kansas University pharmaceutical chemistry professor Valentino Stella was all smiles this week as he received the annual HOPE Award from KU seniors. “I’m gonna have to work harder,” Stella said with a chuckle. “You feel now that they’ve given you the honor you have to live up to the reputation. But I think it’ll spur me on to do better.” Stella had received the award, the only KU citation bestowed by students, from KU Chancellor Gene Budig before kickoff at the Kansas-Missouri football game in Memorial Stadium.