[4b]

FreeCEN Getting Started - Transcription

Field Descriptions [4c]
Enumerator errors [7b]
Notes & Comments [7a]
SSCENS [4b2]
Help & Support [7f]
Completed Work [7g]
.
"Back to Index"
The Software Download instructions on FreeCEN WebPages will include sufficient information to instal the routine on your computer and to start its operation.
It is important that you note and follow those instructions carefully in order to ensure satisfactory installation!

INCENS

Warning: INCENS may not operate satisfactorily on some Windows XP systems! (Use SSCENS [4b2])

FreeCEN is an extensive project: there are many things to be aware of and advice is that you should be aware of where to find particular guidance and that you should not attempt, nor expect, to learn everything right from the start.

First start-up: INCENS

In order to get past the first screen:
  1. Type your personal FreeCEN code. This comprises two letters from your SUrname and two letters from your FOrename. "John SMITH" would type "SMJO".
  2. <Tab> to the next field: type your full name.
  3. <Tab> on: INCENS needs to know the identity letter for your floppy drive. Change this if necessary
  4. <Tab> to [OK] and <click> or <Enter>
  5. The table at the left of screen has now blackened and you must select a "Piece and Place" for work.
    The Tutorial requires you to select "1718 Kingsbridge"
  6. <click> on [Continue: Test Mode]

HELP Pages

INCENS comes with on-screen Help pages.
These can be accessed (once you are past the first screen, as above) at any time by <right-click> in the light blue region at the top of any template, and may be left "in back-ground" while you are working.
Please take time now to print the few pages from the [Tutorial] section of Help.

Before proceeding with the Tutorial it will be useful to familiarise yourself with the images that you you will use later when transcribing. (see Computer Images [7h])

The TUTORIAL

The Tutorial contains some typical data to be entered into the programme so that you may become familiar with the requirements.
You are not restricted to these examples and, indeed, you are encouraged to experiment with other data and discover the operation of the various on-screens features available, and what may be achieved by either <right-click> or <left-click> in particular zones of the templates.

You need not finish the Tutorial in a single session:
You can leave INCENS at any time by using the top-right [Exit/Utilities] button
DO NOT exit from INCENS using the small Windows "x" at the top-right of the screen!

When you are ready to start "some real work":
  1. Select [Exit/Utilities] (top right)
  2. Select [Exit Tutorial]
    You will not be able to run "Tutorial" again but will be able to select "TEST MODE" at any time and can then safely practice or experiment techniques without any risk to any "real work" so far completed.
  3. Select [Exit] or [Re-Load INCENS] according to your wishes.

Subsequent starts

INCENS will re-open ready to continue from where you last ceased work.

INCENS will only permit "real work" on one piece at a time.
If you need to change to another County, ask for guidance.

If you had last [Exit Tutorial] you will find that the front page table has changed and now displays Piece numbers and Place-names relevant to the county you have volunteered to transcribe.
You will need to 'sign in' one last time.
Select the appropriate Piece & Place to suit your fiche/film/CD and you may then select either [Continue: Live Mode] or [Continue: Test Mode].

It is strongly recommended that you should transcribe (say) five pages from your census piece to paper for later keyboard entry
The advantages of this method are that you will be able to concentrate first on getting used to the images and the Enumerator's variable quality of handwriting, and then to concentrate on getting used to keyboard input of that data.

Back-Up OFTEN

Take Back-Up copies of your work regularly - and certainly at the close of each work session
One can never foretell when an electrical supply problem may affect your computer, or when a hard drive may become defective!
Adequate Back-Up procedures are your only insurance against the loss of hard-won effort..

The INCENS [Utility] Menu contains options (and software) for Back-up or Recovery of Data involving a Floppy-disk Drive. These options will not be available if you choose to back-up to CD or some other 'removable medium': it will be essential that you are competent to be able to recover data in the event of a computer mishap.

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Feb2003