Abstract
Browsing refers to information retrieval where the initial search criteria range from undefined to only partly defined. The fundamentals of browsing are explored as a basis for the creation of an intelligent computer system to assist with the retrieval of online information. Browsing actions via a computer terminal are examined together with new methods of accessing text and satisfying user queries. Initial tests with a prototype system illustrated the use of different retrieval strategies when accessing online information of varying structure. A simple overview facility was liked by the users testing the prototype. The results suggest the construction of a more intelligent processing component to provide expanded capabilities for content extraction and navigation within text documents.