[729] in Public-Access_Computer_Systems_Forum
Infotrac EF Problem
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Public-Access Computer Systems For)
Mon Jul 13 09:43:22 1992
Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1992 08:37:41 CDT
Reply-To: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
From: Public-Access Computer Systems Forum <LIBPACS%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
To: Multiple recipients of list PACS-L <PACS-L%UHUPVM1.BITNET@ricevm1.rice.edu>
3 Messages, 71 Lines
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From: JEANNIE DIXON <dra_prod@PANAM.BITNET>
Subject: RE: Infotrac EF problem
We have had the same problems you mentioned. Our printers have also started
printing by themselves on occasion! (with no one seated at the station).
InfoTrac basically takes 3 days to return any phone call, and when they do
return it, they don't know what to do about this problem. Our 2 workstations
"freeze" up as many as 6 times each day...
This has also been discussed on LIBREF-L, but no solutions have been
forthcoming. At least one library has been told "they are the only ones with
this problem".
If anyone is able to find a solution, we would LOVE to hear it..
Jeannie Dixon
Automation Librarian
Univ of Texas-Pan American
*-----
From: Will Stuivenga <VSGA1001@SMUVM1>
Subject: Re: Infotrac EF problem
We had experienced similar problems, only our systems also crashed frequently
in the middle of a search, or while displaying records. Infotrac sent us a
new version of a file called EF_SRCH.EXE [file specs were 200500 bytes,
6-16-92 8:46p] which has so far seemingly solved the problem totally.
In conversation with InfoTrac people, it was said, I believe, that this file
would ship to everyone with the next update CD. I believe they often write
batch files that download new files from the CD without any intervention
being required by you or I at the site. So this new file could arrive
without your being aware of it.
However, in conversation with IAC people, it was suggested by them that the bug
which was causing the "in use" freezes may have been separate from the bug
that caused the "introductory screen" freezes, and that this solution solved
the one, but not the other. I can only report that since installing this file,
no crashes have been reported of either kind. We have 4 workstations running
the Expanded Academic and Business Indexes.
It was further suggested by IAC that the bug they found had something to do
with the journal holdings programming, and that only institutions which were
actively utilizing this feature to input customized journal holdings info
(which we are) were experiencing the "in use" freezes, but that the "intro
screen" freezes were happening to everyone. So I don't know if my info
will be of use or not.
Will Stuivenga <VSGA1001@SMUVM1> or <VSGA1001@VM.CIS.SMU.EDU>
Database Reference Librarian, Fondren Library, Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX 75275 (214) 692-3666 fax (214) 360-0609
*-----
From: STF11@manvax.bitnet
Subject: RE: Infotrac EF problem
Our Infotrac EF terminal has also frozen up at least a couple of
times since the newest software came in. I thought it was just a fluke
until I saw the PACS-L post about this showing up in another library.
We have had problems nearly every time the software has been
upgraded on our Infotrac stations, and I have found many indexing mistakes
in the databases themselves. I don't think quality control is Information
Access' forte.
Stacy Pober Bitnet: stf11@manvax.bitnet
Manhattan College Libraries Talknet: 718-920-0166
Riverdale, NY 10471
