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. The other is the Newsgroup. Distribution lists are also known as listservs named after one of the software programs used to manage the lists. Distribution lists require a subscription to access the list's information as it is posted. Although it can also be accessed in archive form, the immediate access is through subscription.Distribution lists are as much a part of the Internet as any of the other utilities. Lists are viewed through email. A list manager program distributes information through individual email addresses. A distribution list is a software program that runs on a computer system, typically a mainframe or midrange server.Another emailrelated resource on the Internet is Usenet Newsgroups. Usenet short for user network can be accessed by anyone with Internet access. Newsgroups are an electronic space where participants can leave messages, such as comments, questions, and announcements. These groups are similar to the discussion groups found on some commercial online services, although some of those are being moved to WWW formats.The main difference in a distribution list and a Newsgroup is not in the content. Instead it is the way the information posted is accessed. Distribution lists are sent to subscribers through email based software on a server. Newsgroups require the user to access them intentionally. The access is achieved through email also, but users must Page 72have a service that provides access to the Usenet network. Newsgroups also require a newsreader program. Most email programs offer the feature as a utility built into the program.There are approximately 20,000 Newsgroups. Some estimates indicate as many as 20 million persons active in Newsgroups worldwide. Newsgroups can be used to monitor the ''buzz" on a subject. Newsgroups can be used to generate story ideas. They offer access to what people are discussing and talking about, particularly on a breaking story. These electronic places also provide increased diversity in sources and information. They may provide leads for stories. Perhaps most importantly, Newsgroups are places to find possible contacts that may become sources for a story, as well.Using online commercial servicesOne of the fastest growing ways to use databases is through a personal computer from the office or home. In the early days of computer database searching, the effort had to be made from a library or other special facility. With the use of a modem, just about any computer and, therefore, any location, can use a computer database. With news breaking at any time, the instant longdistance reach provided by online computerbased research is increasingly important for feature writers. Online means your computer is linked to a second computer by a telephone line. The link is completed by use of modems in each computer.Confusing? Well, take consolation in the fact that most computer programs that operate modems are very simple and require little programming effort (the most difficult things might be setting up and acquiring accounts and passwords). Almost all computer databases are readonly files that allow you to look at information but not modify it in any way. You are allowed to copy the information to your own computer and use it later, of course, subject to any copyright restrictions that apply. Almost all services also require a search fee based on time or some other unit charge. These are national commercial services and you pay for the time you are "logged on." These fees are not inexpensive. Some are free, but others run as little as $15 per month with unlimited use to as high as $200 or more per hour for more exclusive systems at corporate, prime usage time rates. Most searches cost just a few dollars, however, and may be well worth the investment in terms of time and other expenses saved. Popular news media database providers are Nexis/Lexis, Dialog/Knowledge Index, Dow Jones News/Retrieval, and DataTimes. However, don't despair over the Page 73costs. Most colleges and universities have libraries with access to these and other databases at a completely subsidized, or at least a reduced rate, for students. You should ask about this by checking with your professors or reference librarians.Another growing tool to access databases is called CDROM, which is an acronym for compactdisc, readonly memory systems. These are not online services, but often CDROM databases often contain the same information. These permit use for unlimited periods at no additional cost. Libraries often make a onetime purchase of a database, such as a newspaper or magazine over a period of time such as a year, and make the data available to users at no cost. This is a popular tool at many university and college libraries. CDROM systems are available for home PCs also but are a comparatively expensive investment compared to modems. Usually, these are best for highvolume users. One good example of an inexpensive CDROM that is quite useful to writers is Microsoft's "Bookshelf." This multimedia CD includes a set of reference books that may be used with a word processor. Typical reference books on a Bookshelf CD include a dictionary, world almanac, a concise encyclopedia, world atlas, thesaurus, dictionary of quotations, zip code directory, and a chronology. There are also several more complete encyclopedias available on CDROM. Microsoft's "Encarta" is a leading example. Most reference books sets on CD are updated annually and are available at many libraries.Most current databases used for literature searches are electronic versions of indexes, which have traditionally been published in hardbound form. The convenience is obvious, if you are willing to pay for the time to do a broad search. Most of the searches your library can do for you are conducted through a central computer located somewhere else. Your library simply links its computer to the computer and requests a particular database for you. The database you request will, of course, depend on the subject of your article. As noted earlier, you can conduct many searches yourself, if you want to learn and want to acquire the additions to your home computer.The most challenging aspect of computer database use is search strategy. The secret to inexpensive searching is to narrow down the key words that the computer uses to make its search. A key word or series of key words define what the computer searches for in the database
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