Microsoft KB Archive/11951

ONLINE: A Guide to America’ PSS ID Number: Q11951 Article last modified on 10-13-1986 PSS database name: PRESS

ONLINE: A GUIDE TO AMERICA’S LEADING INFORMATION SERVICES by Steve Lambert Price: $19.95 ISBN: 0-914845-35-7 Pub. Date: April 29, 1985

GET OVER 20 HOURS OF FREE CONNECT TIME: A $350 VALUE FOR $19.95 with ONLINE: A GUIDE TO AMERICA’S LEADING INFORMATION SERVICES

“Congratulations on this much needed work on electronic publishing.” - Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service “ONLINE is truly a second-generation book on information services.” - NewsNet “Without a doubt, ONLINE is one of the most comprehensive books we’ve ever seen detailing the field of electronic mail today.” - Western Union

One of the fastest-growing areas of computer use today is telecommunications. More and more business and home computer users are discovering the wealth of information available at their fingertips. Online information services offer everything from the latest airline schedules and major wire-service news copy to stock market information and electronic mail capability. This April 29, 1985, Microsoft Press will publish a breakthrough book in the field of telecommunications, ONLINE: A Guide to America’s Leading Information Services. Written by Steve Lambert, ONLINE combines a comprehensive guided tour through today’s most popular online services with more than 20 hours of free access time! In an unprecedented offer developed in conjunction with the major online services, the purchase of this book entitles the buyer not only to a free subscription but to free services as well. Bound into every book are registration cards for the following participating companies: - CompuServe - Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service - DIALOG - NewsNet - MCI Mail - Official Airline Guides - Western Union Actual online exploration is the only way to master the wide range of services offered, and ONLINE is the first telecommunications book to provide actual hands-on experience. For example, for frequent travelers, Official Airline Guides offers 30 days of free access to its comprehensive listing of airline schedules and fares. DIALOG furnishes $100 worth of time-and access to over 250 databases. In addition to waiving its $18 sign-up fee, MCI Mail will deliver $10 worth of electronic mail and allow unlimited access while learning the system. ONLINE begins with a description of the equipment needed to set up a telecommunication system. The book covers the latest in monitors, serial ports, modems, and communication software, and discusses ways to get the system set up and running. Lambert then details methods of accessing the information services and introduces the telephone networks that can be used to call the services. The major portion of the book is devoted to a tour of the information services. For each, Lambert guides the reader through all the steps of an actual online session. In addition, he describes the services offered and the way the information is organized, and provides a summary of the most commonly used commands. Throughout, the author offers tips that will help save time - and money - by automating routine data acquisition and streamlining sophisticated search techniques. ONLINE is written both for individuals who are new to telecommunicating and for users who are familiar with one information network, but would like to explore others as well. Steve Lambert, a native of Seattle, Washington, has worn many hats, including those of high-rigger, house painter, locksmith, and journeyman electrician. An interest in Seattle’s early architecture led him to publish a biography of designer/builder Fred Anhalt. Lately, Steve has turned his attention to personal computers and their practical uses. He has written about computers for high Technology and Computing for Business/Interface Age Magazines, and is a contributor to Macworld, Time-life Access, and PC World Magazines. He is the author of PRESENTATION GRAPHICS ON THE APPLE MACINTOSH, published in August 1984 by Microsoft Press. Microsoft Corporation, based in Bellevue, Washington, develops and sells a wide range of operating systems, languages, application programs, and hardware products, as well as books, for the microcomputer marketplace.

Praise For ONLINE: A GUIDE TO AMERICA’S LEADING INFORMATION SERVICES “Congratulations on this much needed work on electronic publishing. It provides an excellent introduction to the wealth of business, financial and general interest information available from Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service. Working from this guided tour, new subscribers should have no problem sampling all of the services available.” - Dow Jones News/Retrieval Service “This chapter is a good going online’ is too difficult. ONLINE is truly a second-generation book on information services.” - NewsNet “We found the section on the Official Airline Guides to be a very accurate description of our system. Steve Lambert captured the essence of OAG - its ease of use.” - Official Airline Guides “Without a doubt, ONLINE is one of the most comprehensive books we’ve ever seen detailing the field of electronic mail today.” - Western Union “We are very pleased with ONLINE’s coverage of DIALOG, which is an accurate and thorough overview of the system’s capabilities.” - DIALOG Information Services, Inc. “Steve Lambert writes with superb skill. His chapter on MCI Mail shows you how to reach anyone, anywhere, right from your personal computer. And with MCI Mail’s free offer inside, ONLINE pays for itself!” - MCI Mail

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986.