This user's guide to conducting a preliminary search of the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) database on CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory) begins by briefly describing the types of materials found in ERIC and explains the four steps common to the any computer search: (1) definition of topic elements and formation of concept groups of related terms; (2) gathering of terms of one concept group into a basic set of records; (3) modification of this set by adding new groups of related terms; and (4) display and printing of results. Computer commands and instructions for each of these steps are provided to reinforce the menus that appear on the screen during a search. Other useful commands are also briefly described, and students who wish more thorough searches of ERIC and/or access to information in other areas are advised to speak with the reference librarians. (CGD)