Something I've missed along the way.....

[MalcolmAmos]

In the instructional books using standard notation we see numbers above or below the notes indicating the fingers to use when fretting this specific note, i.e. 1, 2, 3 or 4.

I'm sure it has something to do with placement, at any rate this is something I've missed and I'm sure it could help.

So --- some help is needed, sites or a few words on this subject would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[iD Entity]

If I understand your confusion right, then the answer is simple:
1 means press the note with your pointy finger
2 means press the note with your middle finger
3 means use your ring finger to press the note
4 means to press it with your pinky finger

Finger choice on bass lines is pretty important, so they're trying to help you get started with a bit of cheat. Once you get passed beginner material, you'll have to decide on finger choice yourself, as material won't show it. You'll need to decide how to position your hand to most easily and efficiently reach the notes you need.

Hope that helps!