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1. Getting Started
WilsonWeb
The H.W. Wilson Information Retrieval System for the World Wide Web
provides several search tools for accessing information stored in
databases. You can search for records pertaining to a topic of interest,
then print, email, or save those records. This Quick Reference Guide
provides information about using WilsonWeb.
System Requirements
Operating Systems
WilsonWeb supports Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0, Windows
Millennium Edition, Windows 2000, Windows XP, plus the Mac OS 9 version,
or later. It should be noted that some earlier operating system versions
have reached their product life-cycle end and are no longer being
supported by their manufacturer. Regularly check that you have installed
the most recent Service Packs available from Microsoft or Apple, as this
can often resolve problems.
Browsers
Although WilsonWeb works well with most commonly used
browsers, a majority of our customers have used either Microsoft Internet
Explorer, Netscape, and/or Firefox as their browsers of choice. For IE or
Netscape users, however, we recommend that for best results Microsoft
Internet Explorer 5.01 and Netscape 4.7 or later versions be used (with
the exception of Netscape 6.0 and 6.1 which will not be supported).
Earlier browser versions (and those later versions mentioned for Netscape)
are unlikely to give satisfactory display results and will not be
supported. The Safari browser (versions 1.3 and higher) is also approved
for use with Mac systems.
AOL customers may use the AOL Explorer 1.2 browser (minimum AOL system
requirements for this browser include the use of Internet Explorer Version
6.0 and the Windows 2000 or higher (Recommended XP) operating system, on
the computer). Otherwise, minimize your AOL screen and select the Internet
Explorer (or other supported) browser on your desktop.
The Opera browser is not approved for use with WilsonWeb, pending review.
Please note also that Microsoft and Netscape provide free Service Packs
and other bug fixes to their browsers that often improve the behavior with
WilsonWeb and other web sites. If you are experiencing problems, it may
help to ensure you have the latest bug fixes patched into your browser.
Check:
http://support.microsoft.com or
http://www.info.apple.com.
Browser Settings
WilsonWeb uses ‘cookies’ to manage session information while you are
connected. Please ensure that cookies are enabled (they are enabled by
default and will have only been disabled if you took steps to disable
them).
It is important to note that if a popup blocker is being used, you must
allow for popups from “hwwilsonweb.com.” This is critical for the
correct operation of such features as Help, Save, Print, WilsonLink,
Dynamic Holdings and other WilsonWeb features that launch separate windows
for the requested function.
Also, for best performance, ensure that sufficient cache space is
available (a few megabytes is usually sufficient, more is better) and that
your browser is set to automatically check the server for more recent
versions of cached pages. Again, this is the default setting.
Plug-ins
WilsonWeb only requires one plug-in. In order to view PDF formatted
records (used in full text databases), you will need the Adobe Acrobat
Reader 4.0 plug-in, as a minimum. At no charge, the latest version can be
downloaded to your computer at:
http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep.html
Administrative Module and Customization
Many parts of the WilsonWeb interface are customizable. The library
administrator may determine various user groups, control access to the
system, select button text, generate usage reports, and add up to three
buttons for patron usage, among other things. Users can customize search
results and how those results display for the duration of their search
session.
Selecting Databases
At any time during your search session, you can select one or more
databases from those that are available.
At the top of each search page, you will see the databases to which your
library subscribes. Scroll through the available databases and mark the
one(s) you want to search.
Search the Selected Databases
Click Advanced Search, Basic Search, Browse, or Thesaurus in the left-hand
toolbar. The button names may appear different because the names are a
customizable feature by your library’s system administrator.
You will notice that after making your database selections on the Advanced
Search page, the screen automatically presents the appropriate search
choices. If you simultaneously select a biographical database, such as
Current Biography and a non-biographical database, such as Readers’ Guide,
the program will default to a generic search screen.
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