Five communications software packages reviewed: Communique, Connect, Datatalk, Headline, Information Transfer

Communications software on microcomputers enhances the management of communications and online searching by automating the repetitive tasks of logging on to various database services and improving the efficiency of the connection by minimising the time spent online. Five packages which provide a full spectrum of facilities to be found in the range of communications software on the market are reviewed here. The packages are ACT's Communique, Learned Information's Connect, Datasoft's Datatalk, Head Computers' Headline, and Userlink's Information Transfer. This small sample covers the needs of certain categories of users: the business sector; users of specific services; the library and information community; and finally, the unskilled online searcher, or end user, who requires an intelligent front end to the variety of search command systems on the hosts. The basic and useful software features of all five packages are described, with a checklist for comparison, followed by a detailed description of each package.