Describes the development of Usenet, the User's Network, a computer network that distributes group discussions (newsgroups) on different topics. Network News software is described, the rapid growth in popularity and heavy network traffic is discussed, and a hierarchical classification scheme to limit the amount of information for users is…

Reviews this book by N. G. Satish, which investigated the information gathering and use patterns of social scientists. Recommends the researchers follow Satish's example by adopting an international perspective to the literature and study procedures. (JMV)

Describes a software tool that deciphers abbreviations by finding whole-word equivalents or "disabbreviations." Presents results of experimental studies that test the tool's disabbreviation of technical text in computer programs. Findings show that the prototype tool is easy to use, finds correct disabbreviations, improves text…

Reviews "robot" search engines specifically developed for information retrieval on the World Wide Web, examines automated and designated robot searching tools, and offers tips to help users judge the usefulness of Web search engines. Discusses sample searches of automated and designated search engines and presents example computer…

Review of upgrades to IBM and Macintosh software includes personal experiences with DOS 5.0, PC Tools Version 7, and Microsoft Word 5.5. Reasons for and problems with upgrades are then discussed, including alternatives to upgrading and problems with skipping upgrades. Guidelines for deciding whether to upgrade and notes from the literature for…

Depending on the type of DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) the user wants to create (data, multimedia, PC video, or Hollywood movies) the specs and development tools are totally different. Reviews of DVD-Video and DVD-ROM authoring tools are provided. (AEF)

Reviews the NOTIS "Acquisition Self-Paced Study Guide," designed to teach the inexperienced user the basic features of the NOTIS acquisition module, with references to the "NOTIS Acquisition User Guide" for those who need further study. Contents of the self-paced guide are listed. (EA)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of integrated software, i.e., software that combines the functions of several independent programs such as word processing, spreadsheets, graphics programs, and desktop publishing so that users can work in a consistent and flexible computer environment. Microsoft Works, a well-known integrated package, is…

Describes a study that assessed the availability and use of microcomputer database management interfaces to online public access catalogs. The software capabilities needed to effect such an interface are identified, and available software packages are evaluated by these criteria. A directory of software vendors is provided. (4 notes with…

Provides an overview of CD-ROM networking technology in libraries. Six systems currently in operation are evaluated; operational experiences in libraries are discussed, including the need for user education; networking between CD-ROM networks and integrated library systems is described; and future possibilities are suggested. (14 references) (LRW)

This report evaluates 13 products described by their publishers as appropriate for desktop publishing. The products have in common the ability to combine text and graphics on a page; however, they vary greatly in capabilities and cost. Some products have a very narrow use (e.g., certificate makers and puzzle generators), and some have a very…

This report presents tabular evaluations of 13 products described by their publishers as appropriate for desktop publishing. These products have in common the ability to combine text and graphics on a page; however, they vary greatly in capabilities and cost. Some products have a very narrow use (e.g., certificate makers and puzzle generators),…

Reviews six CD-ROM bibliographic databases: BRS/Colleague MEDLINE; Wilsondisc Cumulative Book Index and MLA International Bibliography; Dialog OnDisc ERIC; SilverPlatter Sociofile; CCOHS (Reteaco Findit) CCINFOdisc; and Knowledge Finder MEDLINE. Criteria used include browsing, using menus, refining a search, accessing an online version, and…

These three articles discuss communications software that is designed for use in online searching on a personal computer. Highlights include criteria for choosing software; a review of general purpose communications software packages and their suitability for online searching; software for end users; future possibilities; and five experts' top…

Describes an information retrieval system developed at Bell Laboratories to create and maintain a variety of different but interrelated databases, and to provide controlled access to these databases. The components discussed include the interfaces, indexing rules, display languages, response time, and updating procedures of the system. (6 notes…