Physicians can personally search MEDLINE to answer clinical questions or to update their knowledge base. The components required, each of which is discussed in the text, are a personal computer, a communications software program, a modem, the literature database, and an information vendor. Physicians can assemble and use these components with a minimum of expense and computer knowledge. For the novice searcher who does not want to make a large initial investment, obtaining a low-cost personal computer and using an information vendor such as GRATEFUL MED or PaperChase may be the most suitable alternative. For searchers without access to a medical library or for more experienced searchers, an information vendor such as BRS, MEDIS, or DIALOG may be more appropriate.