WebRecord Research Pro

WebRecord Research Pro

WebRecord Research Pro is an Internet management tool that collects and prints information from the Web. Other features include a page fetch tool, a schedule function for research while you are away from the computer, the ability to track Internet data, and various printing formats.

I experienced no problems loading the program on my computer. The wizard walked me through the installation. However, the online registration wizard asked for detailed information such as business or home use, how many employees in the business, where the product was purchased and the like. If I didn't answer the system's questions, I couldn't go to the next screen. This information gathering was a little invasive for my tastes. Aren't online consumer privacy issues white-hot today?

I sketched out a sample plaintiff's personal injury case. Let's say a plaintiff was injured when the driver's door to accidentally unlatched and ejected the plaintiff during an auto accident. In this case, the litigation team would want to conduct factual Web research for ammunition against defendants. Possible subjects might include auto accidents and lawsuits regarding defective door locks, and any government databases regarding automotive safety and recall data.

Next, I added "Summation database design" to my search parameters. Many law firms create databases and image the documents in similar cases. I wanted any tips the Net might offer on creating and designing a Summation database to help manage the documents in this sample case. I planned to load the Internet research results into Summation to complement my documents database.

WebRecord offers two main ways to collect information from the Net. First, it tracks all the URLs you visit while surfing. Second, you can start with one URL and send WebRecord out to fetch all links related to your research needs. I decided the fetch feature best suited my interests.

I struggled with setting up the advanced fetch, however, and the User's Guide offered only limited help. I had to hunt through the online help section for assistance. This was both annoying and time-consuming. I would have prefered the User's Guide provide in-depth, how-to information. I then set up the program to retrieve 100 links and Web pages. The fetch was based on a specific URL (www.Summation.com) and my search criteria "Summation database design." WebRecord followed the links on that page and subsequent pages to produce its research results.

After the search was completed, WebRecord offered to display the links in a print list or table of contents format, and offered a print preview of each Web page. I really liked the format. It was easy to scroll through and read the research results. At that point, I could click on any link in the print list or table of contents and jump to that particular page. I couldn't, however, load the print list into the Summation database. I suspect it was because the print list wasn't an ASCII document, which Summation prefers.

Finally, I searched for government information, and other accidents and lawsuits regarding defective door locks. Each time, WebRecord returned useful research results, not junk or useless information.

WebRecord is a great tool for legal researchers sleuthing for factual information on the Net.

Canon Software Publishing
(800) 385-2155
www.software.canon.com

Windows 95/98/NT

$49.95

Reviewed by Melynda Hill-Teter, contract litigation paralegal, Mesa, Ariz.

Oct/Nov '99 Issue

PROS
Performs quick and automated Internet searches based on specific search criteria; comes with book Researching Online for Dummies and bonus CD with research tools.

CON
The User's Guide needs help. It doesn't offer enough information; must hunt through online help.

VERDICT
A useful and flexible program. Saves time for legal researchers who are looking for factual information on the Web.