Using DSWindows

Datastream offers two methods of accessing their data—the Datastream Excel add-in and DSWindows. For many users, Datatream’s Excel add-in is the quickest, easiest way to retrieve data from the Datastream service. However, the DSWindows application also offers access to up-to-date information about the Datastream databases that is not available through Excel.

Accessing the information and bulletins provided by DSWindows is a straightforward process. If DSWindows is installed and configured on a system, it can be launched by clicking on the Datastream folder on the desktop and then clicking on the DSWindows icon. Upon launch, DSWindows will automatically log in to the Datastream servers. Once logged in, the user will be presented with three windows.

To access information about the Datastream datasets, click Database Info & News in the Type of Request window in the upper left of the application screen. A list of the resources offered by Datastream will then appear in the Type of Data window at the upper right. Click on the resource that you would like to view information and updates on.

Once one of the resources in the Type of Data window is clicked on, a list of the information available on that area appears in the window below. To view one of the items in the lower window, double-click it. DSWindows will then display the information screens for that item.

DSWindows follows a set of conventions for navigating between screens. If the information is more than one screen in length, press ENTER to move to the next screen. To return to the main DSWindows screen at any time, press F2.