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Reference USA

ReferenceUSA Help Section

ReferenceUSA Tutorial

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How do I add, change or update my business record?

How do I remove my business record?

Remove my Consumer Record

What are the minimum system requirements for accessing ReferenceUSA?

Which Internet browser is the best to use, and what setting will I need to access ReferenceUSA?

What types of authentication methods are available for access to ReferenceUSA?

What types of options are available for remote access to ReferenceUSA?

What is EDGAR information and how do I find it in the database?

Why can't I log in to ReferenceUSA?

Why can't I print or download data?

Why I am getting Username/Password when I click on ReferenceUSA from my library's website?

Why is my Heath Care Module not displayed on my ReferenceUSA home page when I should have access to the Health Care Module?

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How do I add, change or update my business record?
First, we encourage you to search www.referenceusa.com's web site. If by chance you cannot locate your business, click on this link below to add your record. (*Note: We will compile your changes, but we will telephone verify the information prior to making any changes.) Adding or changing business records must be telephone-verified before we can list the information. This process can take up to 60 days and there is no charge for this service. Once the information is updated in our database, we will forward your information to our licensees who publish business information on the Internet so they can complete the process.
Change/update my business

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How do I remove my business record?
All infoUSA/ReferenceUSA information is compiled from public sources. To remove your company information from our database (ReferenceUSA), please send us a removal request on company letterhead to the following address: Peggy Hill, infoUSA.com, 5711 South 86th Circle, Omaha, NE 68127

Or you can fax your request to (402) 331-0176.

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What are the minimum system requirements for accessing ReferenceUSA?
Operating System:
Microsoft Windows 95 or greater
Microsoft Windows NT 3.51 or greater
Macintosh 7.5.2 or greater

Modem:
28.8K or greater

Browsers:
Internet Explorer 4.5 or greater
Netscape Navigator 4.5 or greater

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Which Internet browser is the best to use, and what setting will I need to access ReferenceUSA?
We recommend using either Netscape Navigator 4.5 or greater or Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.5 or greater. The current versions of these browsers may be downloaded from their respective Web sites if you wish to upgrade.

Users who are not using one of the minimum browser(s) listed above may find that some or all of the pages within ReferenceUSA will not display properly. This is due to the browser differences and is especially common if the browser(s) are still in a beta development period. In addition, all browsers should be "Java" and frames enabled, with caching turned on.

*Please refer to the 'Proprietary Internet browser' and 'Cable modem users deploying firewalls and/or Internet security software' disclaimers below for additional details on browsers and other potential factors preventing (remote) access.

ReferenceUSA is optimized for viewing on a screen with a resolution of 640 x 480 or better and with at least 256 colors.

Note: If you are accessing ReferenceUSA remotely, YOU CANNOT BOOKMARK ReferenceUSA. (Remote access is any access from home or another location offsite where ReferenceUSA is presented as a link on the subscribing organization's Web site.) Typically, remote access to ReferenceUSA is offered via a secured host that authenticates/validates users prior to forwarding them to ReferenceUSA. Accessing ReferenceUSA via a bookmark that you have created sidesteps the authentication process and breaches security.

Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6.0(XP) Browser (Cookie) Configuration Setting Modification Instructions
If you are using the Microsoft Internet Explorer version 6.0(XP) browser and are receiving a username/password prompt when attempting to access www.referenceusa.com remotely, you may need to modify your default browser cookie handling configuration settings to resolve this issue. The steps to accomplish this are outlined below for your convenience.

 

  1. Open a new Microsoft Internet Explorer browser session.
  2. Click on the Tools drop-down menu and select Internet Options…
  3. When the Internet Options window appears click on the Privacy tab, then the Advanced… button.
  4. When the Advanced Privacy Settings window appears, place a check in the checkbox next to 'Override automatic cookie handling'.
  5. Click OK on the Advanced Privacy Settings window and Internet Options window to close.

 

*You should now have the proper Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 6.0(XP) browser (cookie) configuration settings to access www.referenceusa.com remotely without impediment.

*See "What types of authentication methods are available for access to ReferenceUSA?" for further details on authentication.

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What types of authentication methods are available for access to ReferenceUSA?
ReferenceUSA's infrastructure has been designed to accommodate virtually every network configuration used today for both internal and remote users. (Remote access is any access from home or another location offsite where ReferenceUSA is presented as a link on the subscribing organization's Web site). The primary methods of authentication are as follows:

 

  1. IP (Internet Protocol) Authentication
    1. For this method, subscribing customers would need to provide us with a valid IP range of workstations, servers and/or firewalls from which ReferenceUSA will be accessed over the Internet. Once this is accomplished, those users will be able to access ReferenceUSA directly without impediment.
  2. Secured & Unsecured Referring URL (Uniform Resource Locator)
    1. For this method, subscribing customers would create a link to ReferenceUSA from either a secured or unsecured page within their Web site.
      1. If the page is secured, the subscribing customer has verified the integrity and credentials of remote users via an authentication/validation process. Those users will be allowed direct access to the product when forwarded from the subscribing customer's secured link (or referring URL).
      2. If the page is unsecured, ReferenceUSA can present a challenge page prompting users for specific login credentials (i.e. barcode, or username and password). Once the remote user enters the correct login information, direct access to the product is granted.
  3. Persistent Cookie Authentication
    1. For this method, users will need to log into a designated cookie installation page with a specific cookie installation username/password combination. After the initial login has been completed, a persistent cookie is deposited onto the workstation(s) accessing ReferenceUSA. Every time the workstation(s) access ReferenceUSA following the successful installation of the cookie, the workstation(s) will be able to access without seeing a challenge page, as if they were IP authenticated. Once the cookie is installed, it should not need to be reinstalled unless the cookie is deleted. It is equally important to remember to enable persistent cookies in the browser configuration settings prior to installation.
  4. Username and Password Combination
    1. For this method, users can log in from virtually any location with access to the Internet. ReferenceUSA will present a username and password challenge page. Once the user enters the correct login information, direct access to the product is granted.

 

Note: Beyond the three primary and most popular authentication methods outlined above, we are able to easily modify these options in order to conform to the most customized of customers' needs.

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What is EDGAR information?
The acronym EDGAR stands for Electronic Data Gathering Analysis & Retrieval of SEC Filings. EDGAR provides more complete financial information on large businesses. It was created to increase the efficiency and fairness of the securities market for the benefit of investors, corporations and the economy. As of May 6, 1996 all public domestic companies were required to make their filings on EDGAR, and November 4, 2002 the filings of foreign companies and governments became compulsory. Documents that are voluntary or must be traditionally filed may not be available.
How to find it:
Click on a company’s ticker symbol to receive EDGAR information containing more detailed financial information on publicly traded companies.

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Why can't I log in to ReferenceUSA?
ReferenceUSA is a premier subscription database available to libraries, educational institutions, government agencies, etc. ReferenceUSA customers have the option of purchasing the remote access function for offsite users. (Remote access is any access from home or another location offsite where ReferenceUSA is presented as a link on the subscribing organization's Web site.) If you are experiencing technical difficulties accessing ReferenceUSA, please review the questions below to help us determine the cause of the problem.

 

  1. Does the organization from which you are accessing ReferenceUSA have a valid subscription to the product?
    1. If you answered 'NO', this is why you are unable to access ReferenceUSA.
    2. If you answered 'YES', please proceed to question #2.
  2. Are you attempting to access ReferenceUSA from within (i.e. inside the building and/or network) the organization subscribing to ReferenceUSA?
    1. If you answered 'NO', please proceed to question #3.
    2. If you answered 'YES', is a technical problem at the organization causing this issue? (The technical administrator at your organization should be able to verify this.)
      1. If you answered 'NO', please proceed to question #3.
  3. Are you accessing ReferenceUSA remotely? (Remote access is any access from home or another location offsite where ReferenceUSA is presented as a link on the subscribing organization's Web site.)
    1. If you answered 'NO', please proceed to question #5.
    2. If you answered 'YES', are you using the minimum system requirements and appropriate settings for ReferenceUSA? (Please refer to "What are the minimum system requirements for accessing ReferenceUSA?" above for clarification on system requirements.)
      1. If you answered 'NO', you will need to upgrade to meet the minimum system requirements for access to ReferenceUSA.
      2. If you answered 'YES', is there a technical problem with your computer, modem, ISP (Internet Service Provider - i.e. [AOL] America Online, CompuServe [CS], NetZero, MSN, etc.) or Internet connection?
        1. If you answered 'NO', please proceed to question #3c.
        2. If you answered 'YES', you will need to take the appropriate measures to correct the hardware/software problem(s) on your local computer system, or contact your ISP (Internet Service Provider) for issues related to such.
    3. Do you have valid credentials (i.e. valid barcode, username and password, etc.) to access this product remotely through the subscribing organization?
      1. If you answered 'NO', you must contact the organization offering remote access to ReferenceUSA and obtain the appropriate information required to use this function.
      2. If you answered 'YES', please proceed to question #3d.
    4. Is there a technical problem with the subscribing organization offering remote access to ReferenceUSA?
      1. If you answered 'NO', please proceed to question #4.
      2. If you answered 'YES' or 'UNSURE', please contact the technical administrator at the organization offering remote access.
  4. If ReferenceUSA is offline or unreachable due to either planned maintenance or an unforeseen breakdown, an e-mail message will be generated to a technical representative at each organization subscribing to ReferenceUSA. Please contact us directly at (800) 808-1113 if you have encountered an error that cannot be resolved with the aid of this help text.
  5. It is very likely that you or your organization do not have a current subscription to ReferenceUSA. If you feel that this is in error, please contact the person responsible for your organization's online subscription resources.

 

Proprietary Internet browser disclaimer (i.e. America On Line [AOL], CompuServe [CS], etc.)
If you are using a proprietary browser such as CompuServe [CS], America On Line [AOL], etc, you may experience sporadic errors and/or access issues with ReferenceUSA.

*Example: If you are attempting to access ReferenceUSA remotely and are receiving a username/password challenge page when you should not be, it is very likely that the proprietary browser is causing this.

It is highly recommended that users accessing ReferenceUSA via a proprietary browsers use a new, unmodified browser (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer) obtained directly from the manufacturer free of charge.

The necessary steps for accomplishing this are outlined below:

  1. *If the only Internet browser installed on your pc is the proprietary browser that accompanied your Internet service (i.e. CompuServe [CS], America On Line [AOL], etc), you will need to download an unmodified browser directly from the manufacturer (*these browsers are offered free of charge).
    1. *Example: Microsoft Internet Explorer. The Microsoft Internet Explorer download page is:
      http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp
  2. Once the browser is downloaded and installed, it is recommended that you retain the default manufacturers configuration settings, which will be enabled upon installation.
  3. Log onto the Internet using your ISP (Internet Service Provider).
  4. Once you have logged onto the Internet, open another new browser window (*with the recently installed Microsoft Internet Explorer if applicable).
  5. To accomplish this, Click on the Start menu.
  6. Scroll up to and select Programs.
  7. Scroll over and select (*by left mouse clicking on) the Internet Explorer icon.
  8. A new Internet browser session/window will now be established in the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser window.
  9. Direct your browser to the appropriate address/web page of the subscribing organization and select the link to ReferenceUSA.
  10. You should now be able to access ReferenceUSA successfully.

 

Cable modem users deploying firewalls and/or Internet security software disclaimer
As we see the rise in popularity of cable modems and high-speed Internet connections, remote (home) users are becoming more aware of the security factor associated with such. Subsequently, remote (home) users are deploying a variety of personal firewalls and/or Internet security software packages to counter this threat (i.e. LynkSys Firewall, Norton Internet Security Software, etc).

Remote (home) users can easily overcome any access issue involving this scenario and ReferenceUSA by reconfiguring the device and/or software. Although ReferenceUSA and its staff are not qualified to troubleshoot and support remote (home) users personal firewalls and/or security software, most vendors of these devices/software packages offer technical support for customers.

If you are connected to the Internet via a cable modem with a personal firewall and/or Internet security software and are receiving the username/password challenge page from ReferenceUSA, it is possible that reconfiguring the device/software will correct this issue. Please refer to the device/software users manual and/or the vendor for additional technical assistance.

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Why can't I print or download data?
You may receive the following error message when attempting to print or download records/data remotely from ReferenceUSA: "You have reached your print/download allocation for this session. You may continue using ReferenceUSA but you will not be able to print/download data. To print/download additional data you must restart your browser session."
This message will appear when the number of records allotted for remote/external access has been met. You may continue using ReferenceUSA, however if you wish to print/download additional records, you will need to establish a new browser session.

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Why I am getting Username/Password when I click on ReferenceUSA from my library's website?
If you have Norton Internet Security, the Privacy Control is most-likely blocking the content of ReferenceUSA, as a result taking you to the Username/Password page.

Click the applicable Norton Internet Security version below for instructions to allow access to ReferenceUSA.

Note: If you have a different edition of the product we suggest visiting the Symantec website at http://www.symantec.com/index.htm for their web support or for further explanation of Norton Internet Security Privacy Control click here.

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Why is my Heath Care Module not displayed on my ReferenceUSA home page when I should have access to the Health Care Module?
Note: Your library must be a subscriber to the Health Care module, if you would like to know what modules are available please contact your library.

If you have Norton Internet Security, the Ad Blocking is most-likely blocking the content of ReferenceUSA, as a result not allowing the Heath Care Module to be displayed on your ReferenceUSA home page. The instructions below are for Norton Internet Security 2004. Norton Internet Security 2006 allows users access to the Health Care Module without this fix.

Note: These instructions are only for the Norton Internet Security 2004, if you have a different edition of the product we suggest visiting the Symantec website at http://www.symantec.com/index.htm for their web support.

NOTICE: This fix is offered strictly "as-is". Use at your own risk.
  1. Right-click on your Norton Internet Security icon in your system tray and select Norton Internet Security, or double click on the desktop icon.
  2. Click the Ad Blocking row, then click the gold Configure button on the right.
    Norton Fix
  3. You will see the window below. Click on the Advanced button.
    Norton Fix
  4. You will see the window below. Click the Add Site button on the left.
    Norton Fix
  5. You will see the window below. Type in www.referenceusa.com and press OK.
    Norton Fix
  6. You will be taken back to the Advanced window (below). Scroll through the list on the left side and click on www.referenceusa.com. Then press the Add… button on the right.
    Norton Fix
  7. You will see the window below. Click the Permit button, then type in www.referenceusa.com and press OK.
    Norton Fix
  8. Press OK until you are back to the original Norton Internet Security screen. Open a new browser window and access ReferenceUSA as you normally would. The Health Care Module should now show up as it should on the site.
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