Presents a computer software review of the graphical online interface, Ovid client for Windows. Evaluates the following system options: database choices, graphical interface, index browsing, searching, topical limiting, term mapping, displaying, printing, and downloading. Sidebars display product information and feedback from Ovid Technologies in…

Describes the Nebraska Library Commission's experiences with modem sharing on their local area network (LAN). Asynchronous communications servers (ACSs) are described, selecting software for an ACS is discussed, pricing and compatibility is considered, and two sidebars list network-compatible terminal software and companies that provide ACS…

Discusses extraction programs needed to postprocess software downloaded from the Internet that has been archived and compressed for the purposes of storage and file transfer. Archiving formats for DOS, Macintosh, and UNIX operating systems are described; and cross-platform compression utilities are explained. (LRW)

Discusses content management software, which provides a platform for managing the creation, review, filtering, updating, distribution, and storage of structured and unstructured content. Topics include intranets and extranets; vendor selection; comparing vendor approaches; scoping studies; fees; project management; documentation; roll-out…

Describes utility programs available for posttransfer processing files that have been downloaded from the Internet. Highlights include file compression; viewing graphics files; converting binary files to ASCII files; and how to find utility programs. (LRW)

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…

Discussion of lack of room when downloading long searches onto a word processor focuses on three remedies: (1) choosing the right word processor; (2) using a utility program, such as CHOP2 or SPLIT.EXE; and (3) using the EDLIN program, which is part of a DOS disk. (five references) (LRW)

Provides an introduction to the use of communications software for remote access between microcomputers. Areas discussed include hardware requirements for these applications, software features that should be considered, security issues, and some disadvantages of remote control software. A directory of remote control software packages is provided.…

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…

Examines features of currently available electronic spelling checkers to assist in purchasing decisions. Hardware considerations are discussed, and several standalone checkers for the IBM and Macintosh are described, as well as checkers included with word processing programs. Ordering information for the programs is included. (MES)

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)

Explains the concept of a semantic Web where software agents perform jobs for end-users by using hierarchies, metadata, and structured vocabularies. Discusses taxonomies; defining ontologies and taxonomies; standardized language and conceptual relationships; different points of emphasis; and topic maps as new Web infrastructure. (LRW)

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 evaluation of the DIALOG Medical Connection, a new user-friendly system that provides access to several online health sciences databases, describes searching, changing databases, documentation, online help, access, costs, and training, and compares the features of this system with those of other systems that are currently available. Three…

An overview of hypertext and hypermedia is followed by a description of the Intermedia system, and possibilities for using hypertext in the information industry are explored. A sidebar discusses information retrieval in the humanities using hypertext, and a 58-item annotated bibliography on hypertext is presented. (7 references) (MES)