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Dataplot Vol 1 Vol 2

WEB HANDBOOK

Name:
    WEB HANDBOOK
Type:
    Support Command
Purpose:
    Accesses the NIST/SEMATECH Engineering Statistics Handbook.
Description:
    The NIST/SEMATECH Engineering Statistics Handbook (we will refer to this as the Handbook) can be found at the following URL:

      http://www.itl.nist.gov/div898/handbook/

    The Handbook is a web based guide to the use of statistics in engineering applications. The Handbook is integrated with Dataplot in the sense that directly invoke Dataplot to run most of the case studies discussed in the Handbook (there is some configuration required to do this, which is discussed in the Handbook).

    The WEB HANDBOOK approaches integration from the other side. That is, it allows you to access pages from the Handbook from within Dataplot. This is a complement to the Dataplot HELP and WEB HELP commands. That is, the HELP and WEB HELP commands are primarily concerned with dicussing how statistical techniques are implemented within Dataplot whereas the Handbook provides a more tutorial discussion of these techniques. In addition, it provides an overview of many common application areas commonly used in engineering and scientific applications.

    The WEB HANDBOOK command initiates a web browser and, based on the keyword you specify, takes you to a specific page in the Handbook.

    This command is host dependent (it utilizes a "system" call to initiate the browser). It is currently supported for Unix and Windows 95/98/NT platforms. See the Note section below for some SET commands that allow you to specify which browser to use.

    To see a list of supported keywords, enter the command

      LIST HANDBK.TEX
Syntax:
    WEB HANDBOOK <keyword>
    where <keyword> is the name of a topic for which you would like to access an appropriate page of the Handbook.

    If is omitted, then the main Handbook page is shown.

Examples:
    WEB HANDBOOK
    WEB HANDBOOK RELIABILITY
    WEB HANDBOOK EDA
    WEB HANDBOOK REGRESSION
    WEB HANDBOOK BLOCK PLOT
Note:
    The is matched against a file of keywords to go to the appropriated location in the handbook. This command is used primarily by the Dataplot GUI, but it can also be entered by the end-user. If you want to see a list of the supported keywords, enter

      LIST HANDBK.TEX
Note:
    By default, Dataplot attempts to use the Netscape browser. On Unix, it attempts to do this by issuing the command "netscape". On Windows 95/NT, it enters

      "C:\Program Files\NETSCAPE\NAVIGATOR\PROGRAM\netscape.exe"

    If you wish to use a different browser, or if you need to specify a different path for Netscape, you can enter the following command:

      SET BROWSER <file name>

    where <file name> is the string that activates your preferred browser. In particular, if you prefer to use the Internet Explorer browser under Windows 95/98/NT, you can enter

      SET BROWSER "C:\Program Files\Plus!\Microsoft Internet\iexplore.exe"

    The enclosing quotes are necessary because the file name contains spaces. Again, you should verify that this is the correct path on your system.

    If you need to enter this command, you should consider putting it in you DPLOGF.TEX startup file to make it the default for your system.

    Alternatively, you can enter the following operating system command under Unix:

      setenv BROWSER <file name>

    On Windows 95/98/NT, you can enter the following operating system command:

      SET BROWSER=<file name>
Note:
    The default URL for the WEB HANDBOOK command is the Handbook home page on the public NIST web server. If you have installed the Handbook web pages on a local system for faster performance, you should enter the following Dataplot command:

      SET HANDBOOK URL <location of Handbook web pages>

    For example, you would enter something like

      SET HANDOOK URL http://ketone.cam.nist.gov/cf/handbook/

    Again, if you need to enter this command, you should consider putting it in you DPLOGF.TEX startup file to make it the default for your system.

Note:
    On Unix platforms, you can send the WEB HANDBOOK request to a currently open browser. This can significantly improve performance.

    To use a currently open Netscape browser, enter the command

      SET NETSCAPE OLD

    To open a new browser, even if a browser is currently open, enter the command

      SET NETSCAPE NEW

    The default is NEW. This option is ignore for non-Netscape browsers and on the Windows 95/98/NT platforms.

Note:
    One difference between the Unix and PC versions of this command should be noted.

    Under Unix, once the WEB HELP command initiates the browser, control returns to Dataplot. You can independently navigate in the browser and enter additional Dataplot commands.

    Under Windows 95/98/NT, once the browser is initiated, control does not return to Dataplot until the browser is closed.

Default:
    None
Synonyms:
    None
Related Commands:
    HELP = Access the online help files.
    WEB = Access a web browser from within Dataplot.
    NEWS = Lists the news file.
    WEB HELP = Access the online Dataplot Reference Manual.
    PROBE = Displays the value of an internal variable.
    SET = Sets the value of an internal variable.
Applications:
    On-Line Help
Implementation Date:
    2000/01
Program:
    WEB HANDBOOK
    WEB HANDBOOK RELIABILITY
    WEB HANDBOOK DUANE PLOT
    DUANE PLOT Y

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Date created: 6/5/2001
Last updated: 10/29/2015

Please email comments on this WWW page to alan.heckert@nist.gov.