COSSD.com Search Tips
To search for a business in the COSSD you can search many different ways
You can enter in keywords or a business name, but not both. Entering a keyword will look for business names and business categories that contain the term you enter.
Entering in a search term into the "Business name starts with" field will search for business names that start with the term that you are using. This makes searching for a specific term faster than using a broader keyword search.
COSSD.com Map Search Tips
All results from COSSD.com searches are also appear on the online map as long as they meet the proper requirements:
- Only gold and silver businesses will be mapped.
- Only businesses that have a valid address will be mapped
You can zoom in closer to view more detail on the map by either using the plus sign on the map, or by double clicking on any empty region on the map.
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This is an example search result.
Notice now that in the results list the primary branch of the company has a large circle next to it, and all of the branches will have a smaller circle next to them.
This is to distinguish the primary from the secondary locations.
During a search you can click on any of these circles to zoom in to that location on the map.
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- keywords: start with simple and general, and then narrow your search to the specific. For example, type in “truck” and get the listings first....then this list can be refined with the "select a matching category" pick-list selector.
- related categories: did you know the keyword "safety" pulls up 14 different categories? More interesting though is that it can display 24 more when you click on the "select a related category" picklist....everything from blowout preventers to scrubbers-H2S.
- business names: want to see where "Halliburton Canada" has locations? Simply type in "Halliburton" in the "business name starts with" box and click Search.
- locations: you’re in Brooks and want to know ALL the businesses listed in this location....simply type "Brooks" in the "location" box and click Search. Then use one of the zoom-in methods below to get the lay of the land.
- combination search:: Combine a keyword or business name with a location to trim down the results and get a more specific search. An example would be "Hotel" in the keyword field, and "Edmonton" in the location field.
- zoom in/out: while you can use the "+" and "-" buttons to zoom, also a double-click on the map will zoom-in and center the map near your cursor. A “ctrl” double-click will zoom-out.
- quck-zoom: want to zoom-in to a specific town fast? Simply click on a dot adjacent to the town name in the listings at the left.
COSSD DVD Tips
Congratulations on acquiring the 2008-2009 COSSD DVD. Or if you don't already have one and are looking to acquire a copy, then please click here now to place your order today.
Contents on the DVD
This is simply another format of the same renowned yellow directory that is printed and distributed throughout the oil and gas industry every year. However, the digital format offers certain logistical advantages, allowing you to load the entire 1500-page directory on nearly any PC with 500 MB of hard drive space to spare. It navigates simply and easily in a standard browser window by utilizing a simple table of contents structure at the left of the screen. In addition, the entire directory is easily searched by entering keywords in the search box.
Plug-ins, installs, etc.
These are typically not required. Nearly all computers today come from the factory with the Java Virtual Machine and pre-installed Flash plug-in that this digital edition needs. However, there is likely to be the odd exception, particularly with stripped-down custom images. In general, no administrative privileges should be needed to run the COSSD DVD.
Loading the DVD
Problems loading the DVD?
Users on some PCs have advised us the "autoplay" feature does not always work or sometimes works very slowly. Wait times of two minutes are not unusual, especially under Microsoft's new Vista operating system. Here's a quick solution to eliminate this wait and also speed up performance while navigating the directory in general:
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Simply open the DVD in Windows Explorer and "drag and drop" the COSSD28.exe file directly to your desktop. From then on you will no longer need the DVD to access the directory. Simply double-click the icon on your desktop to launch the directory.
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Other problems
Users with specific hardware and driver configurations may encounter problems. Due to the broad range of makes, models, and suppliers, we cannot simply test every configuration. However, don't hesitate to call us or make a request in the feedback tab, and we'll give you a hand as required! Furthermore, as such items are identified, solutions will be place online here.
Make sure your computer is updated
Some windows users experienced loading problems with their machines, but after getting the latest Windows updates from Microsoft, the DVD worked flawlessly.
Share the DVD with co-workers
If you've loaded the directory onto your desktop as described above, you can now pass this DVD along to your co-workers so they too may benefit from this digital edition COSSD. Alternatively, you can simply place a copy on a file server for your entire workgroup to access.
Don't have a DVD player?
Please bear with us... We will soon have an online distribution facility you may visit to download a copy via the internet. Alternatively, you can also download a copy from your own company's file server if a co-worker has placed a shared copy online for staff.
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