When the user installs a CD-ROM incorporating the seamless interface, an additional installation sequence is required. This procedure is carried out through a simple dialogue with the user. The whole feature can be disabled, and its use can be controlled through passwords and time budgets. Full accounting information is provided by Context showing usage for all passwords assigned by the CD-ROM manager. The CD-ROM user can establish complete control over online access.
Networks pose special problems for CD-ROM applications.
Adding a communications module to a CD-ROM application increased the complexity of the system. Installation procedures are being developed that will allow the seamless interface to work with the majority of CD-ROM networks, but because of the variety and complexity of networks it is not possible to predict network performance with confidence until the product is launched and tested in the field. These statements are then transferred to the online search engine, where they are used to carry out the search and retrieve the hits. Information on the progress of the search, and the data retrieved are transferred back to the PC and treated by the user interface as though they were coming from the results of the local search. However, Context has designed the seamless interface so that in principle the PC to online link can work with online hosts using a different search engine.