TIPS TO GET ON-LINE

* One of the best ways to find government information is through FedWorld. This on-line service carries information from the White House, the Commerce Department, the Department of Defense, as well as the National Technical Information Service, which runs the system. FedWorld also serves as a gateway to more than 120 other federal agencies that offer up everything from federal job listings to State Department travel advisories.

* To reach FedWorld, you either have to have a modem or Internet access. Modem users: Set your communications software to 8 data bits, no parity, 1 stop bit (8-N-1). Have the computer dial 1-703-321-8020 and follow the on-screen prompts. You will have to give your name and address and record a password. Internet users can now reach the service two ways: either telnet to fedworld.gov or, if you want to download files, ftp to ftp.fedworld.gov.

* Best advice for first-time users: ``Pay attention to the system prompts!'' says Systems Manager Ken Royer.