Introduction to Datastream (DSWindows)

 

Quick Jumps:


ORGANIZATION OF FILES

Datastream for Windows is a program designed specifically for navigating tremendous amounts of data. Types of data are organized by code numbers. Different representations or methods of retrieving and displaying data are similarly organized by program numbers. Finding these codes and program numbers can be the most difficult aspect of Datastream searching. Datastream for Windows is simply a program that allows access and interaction with the Datastream International databases located in London. Datastream for Windows is similar to many other windows programs. Commands may be passed to the program in three ways: menus, control panel buttons, and the command line.

The above is a picture of the main program window. Each of the pertinent control options will be discussed in detail in this manual. Control functions in Datastream fall into two basic categories, those that are aimed toward finding program numbers and others that are for finding data codes. This screen enables you to select programs, together with a wide range of associated facilities, such as looking up codes or printing data and graphs. It contains the Program Finder, which enables you to browse through the wide range of available programs, and to select the programs you want to run.

At the very top of the screen is the menu bar which lists the available menus:

  • File
  • Edit
  • Options
  • Connect
  • Macro
  • Window
  • Help

Below it is the tool bar which provides fast ways to carry out some of the most used commands.

  • Clear: clears the current screen and returns you to the Program Finder screen
  • Enter: has the same effect as the ENTER key
  • Code: accesses Code Lookup
  • Help: accesses online Help; note the menu-driven help offers more options
  • Print current window: prints the current window
  • Start/stop printing: use to start or stop printing multi-page output
  • Save data to disk: saves report and graphics output to a new file or appends to existing file.
  • Autopage on/off: enables you to scroll automatically through all output pages
  • Record macro: enables you to record the keystrokes you make when creating a macro
  • Run macro: enables you to run a specified macro
  • Covert data for spreadsheets: specifies the Data Channel conversion option



FINDING A PROGRAM

Finding data in Datastream is basically a matter of answering questions posed by the Datastream program. The good part is that all the answers are in the form of multiple choice. The bad part is that for some questions, there are thousands of choices. Choosing a program involves two simple questions: "What type of request are you making?" and "What type of data are you requesting?". It is these two questions that allow the Datastream program to determine how data should best be retrieved.

You use the Program Finder to select any Datastream program to which you have access. First check that the Service selection button (Research or Fund Management) is set to the default "Research". To select a program, click on the appropriate box entry to specify:

  1. The Type of Request
  2. The Type of Data
  3. The program required

When you make your selections, the program number is displayed in the Program number field.

For example, if you choose:

  1. Type of Request: Reports
  2. Type of Data: Any
  3. Program required: User created format for a list or series (can be stored)

The Program number field will display program 301X.

Alternatively, you can type in the program number if you know it, directly into the program number field. The Summary of Programs booklet lists all Datastream programs along with a brief description. When the Program Finder is displayed in the Terminal window you are ready to run a Datastream program.


TYPES OF REQUESTS


The type of request is the first question one must answer. The six possible answers, are listed in the picture to the right. A choice may be selected by clicking on the chosen text with the left mouse button of the computer. Selections in this category mean the following:
  • REPORTS: Produces a variety of output in tabular form. Preferred for obtaining information such as economic indicators for a country or region over a short time span
  • GRAPHS: Enables outputting of data in graphical format. This option is preferred if you wish to view a simple comparison of two or more statistical series.
  • DOWNLOADING DATA: Enables output of specified data in a variety of formats. A detailed description of dowloading options appears later in this manual. [See pages 15-16]
  • USER CREATED INFO: This option will allow you, in effect, to create your own program. Use of this option requires expert knowledge of Datastream. This option will not be discussed at length in this manual.
  • ONLINE CODE LOOKUP: Use to obtain data codes for use in all the Datastream programs. A thorough discussion of this option appears further on in this manual along with other ways of finding the codes you will need.
  • ONLINE INFO & NEWS: Select this option to view Datastream International news, including announcements of new series and services.



TYPES OF DATA

Datastream contains a limited number of types of data. These main types are listed to the right as they are listed by the Datastream program. You may scroll up and down to view additional types available by clicking on the up and down arrows with the left mouse button. Types of data are broken down by Datastream into basic financial instruments and categories. Discussion of specific types of data searches follows. Definitions of these basic economic terms are available along with these discussions.

 

Back to main page.

Email: disc@mailplus.wisc.edu
Last updated 30 April, 2001.

1997 Data and Program Library Service, University of Wisconsin-Madison