Technical and practical aspects of using online databases on ECHO and other hosts

Abstract

The paper explains the necessary detaiis of using oniine databases on ECHO as well as on other hosts in general. After a short historical background the necessary technology is explained. An overview is given on the necessary hardware, software and telecommunication to execute database searches. The paper includes detaiis on different key words in the information chain, such as the hosts, the different telecommunication facilities and the character standards used in international telecommunication. In addition to the pure technical detaiis the paper explains also the necessary administrational steps like e.g. contracts with hosts and the national PTT and provides an estimation of the costs involved.