Programs of the recently released Unix version of the Genetics Computing Group (GCG) sequence analysis package can now be accessed via a user-friendly hypertext-like navigation system, HYGCG. The resultant system organizes the diverse suite of programs into logical groups, and provides a guide and explanation of commands. In addition, for users unfamiliar with the Unix operating system, the program also provides a similar interface to commonly used Unix commands. Options for personal customization and expansion to accommodate GCG extensions and other software are also provided. This system should be useful especially to the inexperienced or infrequent user as context-sensitive on-line help is provided within this simple and consistent approach. Written in the C language and using the curses and termcap libraries, the system is easily portable to most Unix environments and has been made freely available via anonymous file transfer protocol (FTP) through the Internet global computer network. No modification of the GCG package is needed.

We describe a UNIX program, HYBROW, which can integrate without modification a wide range of UNIX biocomputing and network information retrieval software. HYBROW works in conjunction with a separate set of ASCII files containing embedded hypertext-like links. The program operates like a hypertext browser featuring five basic links: file link, execute-only link, execute-display link, directory-browse link and field-filling link. Useful features of the interface may be developed using combinations of these links with simple shell scripts and examples of these are briefly described. The system manager who supports biocomputing users should find the program easy to maintain, and useful in assisting new and infrequent users; it is also simple to incorporate new programs. Moreover, the individual user can customize the interface, create dynamic menus, hypertext a document, invoke shell scripts and new programs simply with a basic understanding of the UNIX operating system and any text editor. This program was written in C language and uses the UNIX curses and termcap libraries. It is freely available as a tar compressed file (by anonymous FTP from nuscc.nus.sg).