Two menu items give you quick access to specified records. To get a precise, descriptive overview, you press the menu item "Status". For a a simpler overview, that lets you jump directly to a specific section, click on "Database Summary".
With "Name Index" you specify the initial letter of a surname. It then displays a list of names beginning with that letter. By clicking on a name of interest, you are presented with an overview, indicating how often the name appears in the various registers. By clicking on the appropriate field, the corresponding records will be displayed.
"SuperSearch" lets you enter a surname and, optionally, a first name into the simple search mask, select some simple search options and click on 'Search Now'. You are again presented with an overview, indicating how often the name appears in the various registers. By clicking on the appropriate field, the corresponding records will be displayed.
"Detailed Search" accepts a set of complex search conditions, limiting the search by individual search fields. You first select the desired community and register type, then you enter your search criteria into the corresponding fields. You only enter criterion values into relevant fields and leave the others empty.
Once you have found a list of entries meeting your search criteria, you want to make sure that you get out all the information in the database. This little illustration can help you. Each of the four little icons on the left can be clicked to select specific access. The question mark shows you all the information extracted from the record. The scroll symbols show you copies of the corresponding original documents. The exclamation mark appears only if you are logged in as a member. It allows you to add possible corrections and other additional information specific to that particular person. When appropriate, the webmaster will periodically enter them in the database proper.