Design and development of an online bibliographic information storage and retrieval system under WDOS — an Indian multi‐tasking/multi‐programming operating system

The design and development of a computer‐based information system requires an understanding of the operating system of the computer. This knowledge helps in efficient file design for optimal utilisation of disk space which results in increased system efficiency. This paper describes an Indian multi‐tasking/multi‐programming operating system called WDOS, especially its data‐structure and how an online, multi‐user bibliographic information storage and retrieval system has been developed under it utilising the knowledge of its operating system. A set of functional specifications drawn in consultation with users has guided the system development work. The system has been validated and successfully implemented. It has been found to be efficient in terms of response time and this may be attributed to its file design.