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TOXNET Moved to New Computer Platform

TOXNET Moved to New Computer Platform. NLM Technical Bulletin. 1998 May–Jun;(302):e1.

May 1998 [posted]

The TOXNET system with its 20 files of factual and bibliographic information related to toxicology, hazardous chemicals, and the environment, began life in 1985 on a minicomputer, eventually moved to a group of networked microprocessors, and has now been ported to its newest platform. On June 1, 1998, TOXNET was tranferred to a UNIX environment, using a SUN Enterprise 3000 as the "live" server and a SUN Ultra II Station as the "development" server. UNIX is generally considered to have a relatively open platform with a high degree of data connectivity. TOXNET will continue to utilize the M (formerly MUMPS) operating system/programming language.

This change to a UNIX-based system will be transparent to users. An important benefit is expected to be more efficient search capabilities, translating into improved response time. The new platform will also allow NLM to take advantage of utilities that facilitate Web-based development, such as the TOXNET Web Simple Interface currently being tested, and scheduled for public release later in the year.

There will be no change in the procedure for accessing TOXNET via modem using the FTS2000 MEDLARS number (1-800-525-0216), nor will there be any change in telneting to NLM/MEDLARS at medlars.nlm.nih.gov and from there to TOXNET.

Telneting to TOXNET, however, at toxnet.nlm.nih.gov, via a direct connection or through the SIS Web Site at sis.nlm.nih.gov, will involve a slight change in procedure. After TELNETing to the TOXNET address, a new "login:" prompt will appear. At this point, you should enter the word search. The standard TOXNET welcome message will display and you will be prompted for your USERID/PASSWORD, as usual. See below:

TELNETing to TOXNET Using the toxnet.nlm.nih.gov Address:

  Welcome to the TOXNET Search system.

  Enter search at login prompt.



  login: search          

  Last login: Mon May 4 08:50:32 from 206.6.69.134

  Sun Microsystems Inc.   SunOS 5.6  Generic August 1997



       WELCOME TO THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE'S

            TOXICOLOGY DATA NETWORK (TOXNET)



       PLEASE ENTER USERID/PASSWORD

       @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Also, note that the local access number for Washington, DC area users, 301-480-4360, has been discontinued.