Discusses natural language retrieval systems, focusing on West Publishing Company's WIN (Westlaw Is Natural) system used with its case law database. Information retrieval models, the advantages and disadvantages of natural language retrieval, and the use of the approach by Congressional Quarterly's Washington Alert, Personal Librarian, and other…

Describes computer program in Microsoft Basic which performs the following transformation and printout functions on downloaded files: removes field labels and citation numbers from file; removes search statements, error messages, and sign-off/billing output; allows operator to create headings; allows operator to view, delete, or print file from…

Describes features and enhancements of the EasyNet end-user gateway software including the addition of more databanks, improved help for searchers, field searching, online help from humans, and scanning for database selection. Capabilities of the Common Command Language are discussed. Figures show a database scan, EasyNet commands, and a sample…

Describes how keyboard macro processors can be used in the context of online searching to store alternative search statements before going online. An example using ProKey software is included, and its advantages and limitations are described and compared with the more sophisticated front end systems available. (EM)

The third of three articles on the NOTIS interface to locally mounted database tapes looks at the experience of the Vanderbilt University library. Topics include the system control file, master functions, database functions, terminal functions that regulate access, database maintenance, impact on the local computer system, and report features.…

This third article in a five-part series focuses on personal computer software (instructional packages for the computer itself). Topics covered include 11 categories of microcomputer software, evaluation and selection, purchase, version numbers and upgrades, copy protection, disk operating system commands, preparation of master disk, batch files,…

Acquaints information professionals with Digital Equipment Corporation's compact optical disk read-only-memory (CDROM) search and retrieval software and growing library of CDROM database publications (COMPENDEX, Chemical Abstracts Services). Highlights include MicroBASIS, boolean operators, range operators, word and phrase searching, proximity…

The last installment in a three part series compares commands and features for accessing and manipulating the results obtained from the DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems. Highlights include enhancements to syntax and defaults, options for output arrangement and retrieval, reformatting of selected data, memory, unique features, and examples.…

Clarifies the definition of hypertext by contrasting traditional database management systems and associative information management systems software. Relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach are discussed, and useful applications of hypertext on personal computers are described. A glossary and a directory of product information are…

Business Computer Network (BCN) employs automatic calling and logon, multiple database access, disk search capture, and search assistance interfaces to provide single access to 15 online services. Telecommunications software (SuperScout) used to reach BCN and participating online services offers storage and message options and is accompanied by…

Second article in a three-part series focuses on enhancements of search commands and features in the DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems. Highlights include system responses and capacities (aids to searching); search commands and features (proximity searching, field specification, limits); concatenating complex requests; and saving search…

First of a three-part series provides an overview of pre-enhancement DIALOG and QUESTEL information systems including their histories, databases, query languages, and services. Description of implementation of DIALOG Version 2 and QUESTEL PLUS and a general comparison of system features provide a preview of specific comparisons in part 2. (EJS)

Describes use of a database management system (dBASE II, produced by Ashton-Tate), noting best features and disadvantages. Highlights include data entry, multiple access points available, training requirements, use of dBASE for a bibliographic application, auxiliary software, and dBASE updates. Sample searches, auxiliary programs, and requirements…

Describes method of generating Electronic Yellow Pages mailing labels using DIALOG commands which involve downloading to disk and interposing a BASIC language program between disk and printer. Downloading problems (accession numbers, "tic" which DIALOG provides, line noise), two versions of program (full, compressed), and output examples…

Presents a product selection chart for 12 currently available gateways or front-end packages suitable for online searching. Information provided for each package includes producer, cost, type, location, information accessed, equipment required, operating system, and search capabilities. A 94-item bibliography to published literature on these…