OCLC Update By Rosario Garza Windows 98 and Downloading OCLC Access Suite OCLC has now updated information in a report released earlier evaluating Windows 98. (The report is available on the OCLC web site at www.oclc.org/ oclc/bit/223/99jan.htm. OCLC had reported problems with Windows 98 and downloading and extracting software from the OCLC Access Suite download site at URL: top1-6.prod.oclc.org/psw/psw.pway. These problems have been resolved, and users can now download and extract OCLC Access Suite components with Windows 98. OCLC Access Suite components, which are compatible with Windows 98 for download and installation, include OCLC Cataloging Label Program, OCLC Cataloging Micro Enhancer for Windows, OCLC Dewey Cutter Macro and Searching WorldCat: An OCLC Tutorial. Passport for Windows version 1.10a and ILL Micro Enhancer for Windows version 1.00 continue to have installation problems when downloaded and installed under Windows 98. You must continue to install these applications from the OCLC Access Suite compact disc, not from the download versions. OCLC is working on the problem with Passport for Windows and expects to resolve it in the coming months. The download version of ILL Micro Enhancer for Windows version 2.00, which OCLC expects to release in mid- 1999, will be compatible with Windows 98. OCLC CJK software, also an OCLC Access Suite component, requires Windows NT 4.0 to install and run the CJK 3.0 version. This software cannot be used with Windows 98. OCLC Extends Dial Access Capabilities Effective June 6, dial-access users coming in through OCLC's 800 dial-access number may connect at speeds up to 56Kbps if they have a 56Kbps modem and a good quality phone line. No changes to libraries' logon macros or logon scripts are needed to make the 56K connections. The 56K dial-access connections are billed at the same rate as lower speed connections. CompuServe users already have the ability to connect at speeds up to 56K. The higher speeds allow users to make more efficient use of OCLC and may lower libraries' access costs. If you have questions about dial access, contact Regan Harper or Jan Campau. OCLC RetroCon Batch Service Available OCLC now has a RetroCon Batch service for libraries wanting to do retrospective conversion in a fast and cost-effective manner. RetroCon Batch replaces these OCLC services: MicroCon, MicroCon Select, Micro- Con Delete, MicroCon*Pro, FullMarc, TapeCon and TapeCon Delete. With RetroCon Batch, users can submit a data file created using any off-the-shelf word processing or spreadsheet software. The data file will contain search keys and local data (e.g., call number, local holdings information). Charges are assessed on single hits only. The single hit charge includes: OCLC-MARC record copied to the desired media Media charge Reports The data file can be sent to OCLC in various ways — on a nine-track tape, diskette, via FTP or as an e-mail attachment. Output is available in any of the same four ways — nine-track tape, diskette, FTP or e-mail attachment. If you are interested in RetroCon Batch, contact Ann Schwab at BCR.