I have yet to find a library that will not allow me to use my Northgate 386
laptop. I have worked in the National Archives, Library of Congress, Va.
Historical Society, the University of Virginia's Alderman Library, and other
places. Since I use Wordperfect as a wordprocessor software, I prefer to
set up WP files for my research notes. I have experimented with Zyindex and
AskSam (indexing software) to organize my notes. One handy tip I would
recommend: when taking a note, give it a topic, and that will make
organizing the notes easier later on. Most libraries now have AC plugs
available for computer users, so I rarely have to use my battery. I
usually set up a different WP file for each source and keep all notes from
that source in the file. But when organizing notes, some system must be
devised to make sure the note and source remain connected. Any
suggestions?
WP also allows one to work in a split screen, which is handy when
writing because you can have notes in one half of the screen, text in the
other. ALthough I have not found an integrated package which is
completely satisfactory (i.e., some have good database software and poor
wordprocessing features, etc), it does make things easier when the
wordprocessor, database, spreadsheet, software is all in one package and
files can be transferred more easily.