Flat-Rate Manuals Flat-rate manuals contain standards for the length of time a specific repair is supposed to require. Normally, they also contain a parts list with approximate or exact prices of parts. They are excellent for making cost estimates and are published by the manufacturers and independents. Computer-Based Information The same information that is available in service manuals and bulletins is also available electronically on com pact disks (CD-ROMs) digital video disks (DVDs), and the Internet. A single compact disk can hold a quarter million pages of text, eliminating the need for huge library to contain all of the printed manuals. Using electronics to find information is also easier and quicker. The disks are normally updated monthly and not only contain the most recent service bulletins but also engineering and field service fixes. DVDs can hold more in formation than CDs; therefore, fewer disks are needed with systems that use DVDs. The CDs and DVDs are inserted into a computer.All a technician needs to do is enter vehicle information and then move to the appropriate part or system. The appropriate information will then appear on the computers screen (Figure 5-69) .On line data can be updated instantly and requires no space for physical storage. These systems are easy to use and the information is quickly accessed and displayed. The computers keyboard, mouse, and / or light pen are used to make selections from the screen 's menu. Once the in formation is retrieved, a tech can read it off the screen or print it out and take it to the service bay. Hotline Services Hotline services provide answers to service concerns by telephone. Manufacturers provide help by telephone for technicians in their dealerships. for independents to be able to get repair information