The public can get access to many different courts’ records electronically with a computer and a modem. The Internet and direct dial systems both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. The Internet excels in providing information in a consistent and easy-to-use manner. Direct dial systems, in comparison, can be cryptic, depending upon the court system’s computer interface. 

Direct Dial up Access
Many courts provide access via a direct dial modem, meaning the public must use their computer and modem to dial directly to the court’s computer. The public’s computer system must have the required software to connect to the court’s system. Many times, this software is a common terminal emulation software application; other times, the court will require the public to use a proprietary software application.

The advantage of the direct dial system is the court can provide public record access to the end user at a remote location and will not be required to develop specific software or provide an Internet web-enabled interface. Direct dial systems’ primary advantage over the Internet is cost. Creating an Internet web site can be expensive; developing an interface to connect the Internet browser to the mainframe data can also be expensive. The disadvantage of direct dial systems is typically with the end user, who must learn to use the court’s application to access public records and possibly use different software applications. 

Internet Access
The Internet is a revolutionary means of distributing information and documents. The Internet is superior in making information available on a global basis. The common web browsers work similar and have similar interfaces. The public accessing the court’s records from a remote location through the Internet has a similar interface to all courts – the main differences are the types of data and records provided by individual courts. The disadvantage of Internet access is typically with the courts, who must provide a browser interface to their court record systems.