Blooomberg can be searched by keywords and menus, but it is often more efficient to use Bloomberg mnemonic shortcuts and the color-coded keyboard for various functions.
These basic instructions will get you started. Use the built-in Guides for more detailed searches.
You will want to create your own account so you can:
To create your own account:
Open up Bloomberg and press GO
Select 'Create a New Login' - If you do not see this option, please click the RED CONN-Defaut key on the upper right side of the keyboard (above the DEL key). Do not use the Marshall login on the Bloomberg Keyboard. When prompted for the username/password, SELECT THE LINK TO CREATE A NEW USER
Fill in the data as requested. In order for Bloomberg to provide you with a validation code, you will need to provide a way tfor Bloomberg to send it to you, they recommend TEXT MESSAGE via your cell phone.
When you recieve your vallidation code, enter it. You may need to answer some addtional questions.
Users must come in and use the terminals on-site. Bloomberg cannot be accessed from home or remotely.
There are Bloomberg terminals supported by the USC Marshall School for Business in these locations:
If you are a current USC student, faculty or staff, but not a member of Marshall, you will need to ask for a "guest login" to use the terminal.
BLOOMBERG HELP
The Bloomberg system provides excellent online help.
Type your phrase, shortcut code etc. (i.e. FA, CN, Beta, enterprise value) etc. and the <GO> key once. The Bloomberg Online Help system will retrieve information pertaining to your word or phrase or shortcut.
The green HELP key (upper left corner of the keyboard) is a good place to start (see below for additonal commands).
TUTORIALS, CHEATSHEETS AND TIPS
Example: type in the shortcut: BU and use the Green GO key (<GO>)
To submit a question to the Bloomberg Help Desk. press the <HELP> key twice and type in your question. Turnaround time is 24 hours (online help is no longer available). IMPORTANT: you must be logged in under your own account to receive an answer to your specific question. (see Creating an Account on this page).
Bloomberg allows SELECTIVE DOWNLOADING of Bloomberg data.
Main Menus & Security Specific Functions
When you want to go back to the 'home' screen (start over) type: HOME. This is the page that appears when you log in.
If you type MENU, this takes you back to the main menu of your current search.
Security Specific example
To go to Microsoft's Historical Line Chart (stock prices), you could type:
MSFT US <Equity> <GO> You would see a menu, from there select item 17, for Historical Line Chart, with the mnenomic 'GP' OR type: MSFT US <Equity> GP <GO> This by-passed 2 additional steps: 4 <GO> 1 <GO>
MSFT US <Equity> GP W <GO> This by-passed 2 additional steps & set graph to weekly using W for Weekly
Type BBXL <GO> for Bloomberg Tutorials online - SEE Getting Help' on the right for addtional HELP