how to use the mpirical companion

using the index and search facilities

The mpirical companion is fully indexed to allow you to search for keywords or phrases. Click on the index button and type in the keyword or abbreviation you wish to find and the index window will display the word or similar words. Either "double click" the word or select the display button and a description will appear in the information window.

Alternatively, the search facility can be used to find a keyword or phrase within the entire mpirical companion. Select the search button and type a keyword or phrase into the search window and select the list topics button. All the topics containing the keyword or phrase will be displayed in the search window. Simply select the topic you require and it will be displayed in the information window.

pop-up windows

Abbreviations and some terms that appear in the information window will contain hyperlinks. Clicking the link will generate a “pop-up” window giving a more detailed description of the abbreviation or term selected. The “pop-up” window may be closed by clicking on it.

advanced search techniques

The mpirical companion also offers an advanced search facility enabling you to refine your search by using a number of words. You may also use the boolean expressions AND, OR, NOT and NEAR. For example, entering the expression “GPRS AND IP” in the search window will list all topics containing both the terms GPRS and IP.

Note: the more words used in your query, the narrower the results, the fewer words used the broader the results. Also, keep in mind that the search query will look for all words listed anywhere in the mpirical companion and not just the topic title.

technology sectors

To enhance the power of the mpirical companion, the topics have been categorized into the following nine key technology areas. This enables queries to be focused within a specific technology area and clarifies the problem of the same abbreviation having different meanings in different technologies.

To search for a term within a specific technology, use the advanced search facility. For example:

IP AND ICMP,        Wi-Fi AND Access Point,       Transmission AND ATM        GGSN AND (UMTS OR GSM)