Support : DialogLink : Online Help : BEGIN

BEGIN

The first step in any online search is to connect to the database from which you want to retrieve information. Enter BEGIN followed by one or more file numbers, OneSearch categories, a combination of file numbers and categories. N numbers created with the RANK FILES (RF) command in DIALINDEX^® can also be used with the BEGIN command.

Use BEGIN at any time to change databases. All previous search results are erased when you enter BEGIN, and set numbering is reset to S1. To conduct several unrelated searches in the same file, you may wish to enter BEGIN followed by the same file number each time you start a new search. BEGIN is followed by a cost estimate. Note that a subaccount number continues across BEGIN commands, unless it is changed or turned off (see SET SUBACCT).

File Number

Each database is assigned a file number to use when you BEGIN a search (e.g., BEGIN 47). Some databases on Dialog are divided into multiple files, usually by indexing year. In this case, each file of a database is assigned its own number (refer to the printed Bluesheet), which is used to search that portion of the database. Undivided databases are assigned a single file number.

• To BEGIN <file number>:

?b 47
 
    06mar08 13:02:56 User300065 Session D1201.1
            $0.00    0.242 DialUnits File415
     $0.00  Estimated cost File415   <— Cost estimate of
     $0.03  INTERNET                 previous search
     $0.03  Estimated cost this search
     $0.03  Estimated total session cost   0.242 DialUnits

File  47:Gale Group Magazine DB(TM) 1959-2008/Feb 25
       (c) 2008 The Gale group

This column shows set numbers Set ---

This column shows the number of records retrieved Items -----

This column shows your search term or SELECT statement Description ----------

OneSearch Category

You can BEGIN multiple files simultaneously using the Dialog OneSearch feature. Enter BEGIN followed by the acronym for one or more OneSearch categories (e.g., BEGIN TRADE), file numbers (e.g., BEGIN 16,570), or a combination (e.g., COMPSCI,654).

Note: If you use LOGOFF HOLD or are dropped from the system during a search, and you receive a Reconnect message after logging back on, do not enter a BEGIN command. This will erase your previous sets. Instead, enter DISPLAY SETS (DS) to view your set history, determine where the session was interrupted, and continue your searching.

• To BEGIN <OneSearch category>:

?begin trade
       SYSTEM:OS  - DIALOG OneSearch
  File 571:Piers Exports(US Ports) 2008/Feb W4
         (c) 2008 Commonwealth Bus. Media
  File 572:Piers Exports(Latin Am.) 2008/Feb W2
         (c) 2008 Commonwealth Bus. Media
  File 573:Piers Imports(US Ports) 2008/Feb W4
  File 574:Piers Imports(Latin Am.) 2008/Feb W3
         (c) 2008 Commonwealth Bus. Media
  File 637:Journal of Commerce 1986-2008/Apr 11
         (c) 2008 Commonwealth Bus. Media

    Set  Items  Description
    ---  -----  -----------

• To BEGIN <file list> or <file number(s)>:

?b 16,570
SYSTEM:OS  - DIALOG OneSearch
  File  16:Gale Group PROMT(R) 1990-2008/Feb 29
         (c) 2008 The Gale Group
  File 570:Gale Group MARS(R) 1984-2008/Mar 03
         (c) 2008 The Gale Group

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