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,…

Describes the "Toronto Globe and Mail" database-the first example of the entire text of a major daily newspaper online, and notes the file elements and possible search strategies. (RAA)

Identifies presenters' aversion to an Internet-assisted presentations for fear of failed Internet connectivity, and discusses options offered by "offline browsing" software that allows users to download information for later offline use. Lists features of an ideal offline browser. Illustrates problems with early backup methods. Reviews…

Demonstrates that hierarchical naming schemes--one with a single namespace and fixed root spread over all machines in a distributed system, and a second with total namespace composed of some aggregation of individual namespaces of each component system's filestores--can coexist in distributed computer systems. Combined system's design is…

Describes an online library catalog in which bibliographic references have been compiled by simply transcribing the descriptive data found on the title page and elsewhere on the documents, and discusses the wider implications of the use of natural language descriptions without modifications. Eleven references are listed. (FM)

Describes a hardware/software configuration based on personal computers and commercially available generic software that has been assembled to support online bibliographic database searchers. Searchers' ability to trade scripts to transfer expertise in this complex field, and to provide facilities for post-processing of downloaded citations are…

Describes the requirements, data elements, functions and systems design for an online search log which maintains records of search services provided. (CWM)

Offers suggestions for avoiding common errors in online microcomputer use. Areas discussed include learning the basics; hardware protection; backup options; hard disk organization; software selection; file security; and the use of dedicated communications lines. (CLB)

Because experience with large information retrieval (IR) and database management (DBM) systems has shown that they are not adequate for the handling of textual material, two Swedish companies--Paralog and AU-System Network--have joined in a venture to develop a software package which combines features from IR and DMB systems to form a Text Data…

Recognizing that the use of resource sharing capabilities provided by computer networks is inhibited by the requirement that the user become familiar with the varied command languages and protocols of each accessed system, this report presents a general approach to solving the problem using an intermediary system to support a set of common…

Compares two online information services on basis of target audience, communication services, news and publications, business and financial features, education-related features, online publication and information, personal service features, travel offerings, remote computing services, other facilities, navigating through utility, online storage…

This article discusses sources from which information used in in-house databases can be obtained and enumerates points to consider in database building phase (test database design ideas against external database if available, make arrangements for data entry, exercise quality control). Fourteen contractors or sources of computerized information…

Explores the possibilities of using videodisc and optical disk technology as publishing media, highlighting the videodisc as an educational tool and visual supplement to online databases, digital database publishing on videodisc, optical disks for electronic document and image delivery systems, and costs associated with videodisc design and…

The Video PATSEARCH system consists of a microcomputer with a special keyboard and two display screens which accesses the PATSEARCH database of United States government patents on the Bibliographic Retrieval Services (BRS) search system. The microcomputer retrieves text from BRS and matching graphics from an analog optical videodisc. (Author/JJD)

Effective management of movable equipment in a large institutional environment requires a readily accessible database containing accurate up-to-date information. The design and maintenance of an equipment database at the University of Illinois School of Chemical Sciences are discussed. (MLW)