Gamma-ray bursts: Observational overview, searches for counterparts, and BACODINE

The basic properties of γ-ray bursts are reviewed. Many of these properties have been known for over two decades, although new and more detailed observations have been made by Compton Observatory in the past three years. The new observation with the greatest impact has been the observed isotropic distribution of bursts along with a deficiency of weak bursts. This is not compatible with any known Galactic population of objects.