Describes a system for identifying and retrieving relevant citations on a monthly basis which can be accomplished with any microcomputer and printer possessing capability of telecommunication and downloading. Procedures for comprehensive search, downloading, formatting of information for printing, printing file cards and abstracts, and…

Describes in detail features of the IBM personal computer's components--computer, keyboard, monitor, printer, modem--and outlines specific choices for one searching machine that works well (system unit, disk drives, adapter boards, monitor, printer, modem, cables, options, supplies, software). Reasons to choose IBM personal computer for online…

Focuses on the cost-saving technique--selecting the contract that offers the best discount--available when using the Lockheed DIALOG system. Examples of savings, password/contract options, and discount plans are given and a microcomputer program written in BASIC II to aid in calculating savings is described. (EJS)

This review of public domain software (written by individuals who release programs for free copying and distribution) focuses on disk utility programs which deal with the manipulation of files on disks (finding, moving, changing, viewing, organizing, storing). Sources for identifying programs and three addresses for software distribution are…

Describes uses of the microcomputer by Instant Information, Inc., highlighting administrative tasks (accounting, correspondence, file maintenance) and microcomputer's ability to act as dumb terminal in information retrieval. Software selection, the company's computer program "Instantcom" which supports communication and retrieval, and…

Describes the use of a microcomputer system to generate a personal database of books read by adding titles, displaying title/author information, and editing title/author information and discusses the system design, i.e., file structure (author index, book index, book, author), the main driver, function subroutines, and screen subroutines. (EJS)

Fourth installment of a directory published in four parts in "Database" (June and August) and "Online" (July and September) provides descriptions of 12 laserdisk products together with information on the producer, compatibility, type of laserdisk, search and retrieval software, interface with magnetic media, conditions of usage, price, and status.…

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…

Introduction to use of compact disk technology for storing digital data highlights history, background, and developments; technical features; standardization issues; current CD ROM applications; and the market for CD products. A production diagram, a sampling of CD manufacturers and disk replicators, and performance comparison of three storage…

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…

Describes the use of askSam, a flexible text based management system, for handling personal collections of bibliographic references. Sample programs and searches are provided for both unstructured (minimum input and programming by the user) and structure applications. (CLB)

This article analyzes the front end software marketplace and discusses some of the complex forces influencing it. Discussion covers intermediary market; end users (library customers, scientific and technical professionals, corporate business specialists, consumers); marketing strategies; a British front end development firm; competitive pressures;…

Four information retrieval packages that run on single user microcomputers--CAIRS, INMAGIC, Sci-Mate, SIRE--are examined based on following criteria: storage requirements; hardware requirements; search features (Boolean logic, comparison searching, set building, truncation, and wild card characters); system output; security; system maintenance…

Summarizes types of machine access available for users of Chemical Abstracts Online, a database which can accept and print out graphics images of chemical compounds. The use of Tektronix terminals, capabilities and limitations of other types of graphic termials and microcomputers, and estimated costs are noted. (EJS)

Discusses major features and capabilities of gateway software--microcomputer software packages that act as interfaces between users and bibliographic retrieval systems they are searching--i.e., communication, interface, auxiliary programs. Four programs (In-Search, Universal Online Searcher, Search Helper, microDisclosure) are reviewed and…