BKOLDSKB.RVW   961214
 
"The Online Deskbook", Mary Ellen Bates, 1996, 0-910965-19-6, U$29.95
%A   Mary Ellen Bates
%C   462 Danbury Road, Wilton, CT   06897-2126
%D   1996
%G   0-910965-19-6
%I   Pemberton Press Books/Online Inc.
%O   U$29.95 800-248-8466 +1-203-761-1466 fax: +1-203-761-1444 online@well.com
%P   274
%T   "The Online Deskbook"
 
Although the Internet comes first in the list on the cover, this book is really
about a select group of commercial databases and online services.  Within that
context, however, Bates has provided a thorough and useful guide.  If you want
to use DataStar, DataTimes, DIALOG, Dow Jones, LEXIS/NEXIS, or Newsnet, you
will find basic information, a description of services, commands, tips, a
description of proprietary software (where available), and some evaluation and
analysis.  Similar information, with greatly expanded annotation, is provided
for America Online, CompuServe, Microsoft Network, and Prodigy.
 
The Internet is worth a book (or more) itself, of course.  Even the brief
chapter given to it, though, shows that Bates is nowhere near as comfortable
with the net as with the commercial services.  While the major Internet
applications are described, and some of the more useful Web search sites, the
material is comparatively skimpy.
 
copyright Robert M. Slade, 1997   BKOLDSKB.RVW   961214

======================
roberts@decus.ca           rslade@vcn.bc.ca           rslade@vanisl.decus.ca
              Ceterum censeo CNA Financial Services delendam esse
  Please note the Peterson story - http://www.netmind.com/~padgett/trial.htm