Dialog New User Guide
www.dialogweb.com, www.dialogselect.com, and www.dialogclassic.com

New Users

Welcome to Dialog. This guide offers an introduction to help you get started using Dialog, the most powerful information resource in the world.

If you have any problems or queries please do not hesitate to call your helpdesk.

US call: 1-800-334-2564
UK call: 0800 69 00 00
All others call your local office.

Contents

Read Me First!

Access

• Connecting to Dialog
  
• DialogLink—how to download and use our free communications software for enhanced access to Dialog. [Recommended for new users of Classic Dialog.]
  
• How to Set an Alias Password—instructions for defining an alias password that is easy to remember.

Training

• Online Courses—Learn the skills needed to use Dialog effectively. Each online course comprises six stand-alone, self-paced modules covering the basics of using Dialog. [Recommended for new users of Classic Dialog and DialogClassic on the Web.]
• DialogWeb Guided Search Tutorial—all the power of Dialog ... delivered via your Web browser. [Recommended for new users of DialogWeb.]
• DialogWeb Command Search Tutorial—all the power of Dialog ... delivered via your Web browser. [Recommended for new users of DialogWeb.]
• Global Training—schedules for basic and advanced seminars that are conducted all over the world. We also offer a number of courses online.
• Practice Databases—ONTAP (ONline Training And Practice) databases, allow you to practice using—at no cost to you—the Dialog command language and help you become familiar with database content and structure. [Searching the ONTAP databases is free if you use the special user numbers and passwords that we provide. It is important to use these special numbers so that your Dialog account will not be charged.] [Recommended for new users of Classic Dialog and DialogClassic on the Web.]
• The Dialog How Do I...? series supplies concise, step-by-step instructions for how to find the most-requested information on Dialog. Easy to reference and easy to follow, each application in the series illustrates every step with just the right amount of explanation. The series includes solutions for researching topics in business, patents, biomedical, medical, pharmaceuticals & health devices, and trademarks & copyrights. Examples in both DialogClassic and DialogLink 5 are available.

Searching

• Bluesheets—detailed instructions for searching every database on the Dialog service.
• Subject Collections—brief descriptions of our 12 subject collections: Business and Finance, Chemicals, Energy and Environment, Food and Agriculture, Government and Regulations, Intellectual Property, Medicine, News and Media, Pharmaceuticals, Reference, Social Sciences, and Technology.
• Dialog Search Basics Quick Reference Card—basic instructions for searching on Dialog.
• Dialog Pocket Guide—a brief summary of the Dialog commands and features that you are likely to use most often.
• Successful Searching with Dialog Command Language —a comprehensive search manual that contains descriptions and examples of how to use all the commands available for use on Dialog.

Special Dialog Features

• Delivery Options, Images, Copyright Compliance—special options that can simplify and streamline your information management processes.
• Alerts—have Dialog automatically scan a database you select, look for any new information on topics you specify, and deliver the results—via email, fax, or the postal service—to the recipients you designate.

Account Administration and Pricing Information

• Your New Account with Dialog—general information about account administration, billing, deposit accounts, purchase orders, payments, invoices, and adjustments
• How to Receive Billing Reports by Email—Frequently Asked Questions and complete instructions on how to create spreadsheet reports of your Dialog usage.
• General Pricing Information—frequently updated page that contains details about pricing and billing.
• Dialog Price List—details on database prices, service plans, telecommunications rates, and additional Dialog services.

Support

• Support from Dialog—very brief overview all the support services available to help you develop your Dialog search skills, including training opportunities, documentation, and telephone assistance.
• Dialog Product Information—information about the Dialog product line.
• Dialog Search Aids—complete list of resources, including general information, search guides, and database-specific search aids.
• Publications from Dialog—an A-Z listing of documentation and resources available in the Library.
• Customer Support—news and links to areas on our Web site that provide detailed help.
• Chronolog Newsletter—keeps you up-to-date with the latest information on Dialog; this newsletter includes news about new and enhanced databases and system features, search tips, and training opportunities.
• Terms and Conditions—when you sign up for Dialog, you agree to abide by these Terms and Conditions.
• Site Map—our Web site offers you a wealth of information about Dialog. Find your way to what you need fast by consulting the site map.

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