[4b2]

FreeCEN Getting Started - Transcription

Field Descriptions [4c]	Enumerator Errors [7b]	Notes & Comments [7a]	Help & Support [7f]
Using CD Images [4b3]	Completed Work [7g]	.	"Back to Index"

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.

SSCENS

The Software [7e] download contains the instructions to allow data to be entered using a Spreadsheet in a manner which will later allow conversion of that work into a format which will be compliant with the FreeCEN structure for subsequent processing.

It is important that you note and follow those instructions carefully in order to ensure satisfactory installation!

Data may be entered into any Spreadsheet which allows the file to be saved in "Comma Separated Variable" (.CSV) format.

First Start-up: SSCENS

Using your Internet Browser "off-line" open, and follow, the initial document "README.HTM"
This explains how to adjust your spreadsheet for most convenient data entry. Additional guidance may be obtained at any time from the SS-HELP [7f] Mailing List.

Take time to examine the "STRUCTUR.HTM" document (which may be printed from the Internet Browser)
Start your Spreadsheet programme and OPEN "CENSDEMO.CSV" into a blank spreadsheet. This example is related to the STRUCTUR.HTM and shows how your own work may appear as it progresses.

Full "rules" for the FreeCEN Standards are contained in Field descriptions[4c]
The GENIE Place Locator [9a] may be a useful aid to determining the Enumerator's writing of some placenames. (see also Enumerator's Errors [7b])

Starting "Real work"

Open the file "BLANK.CSV" into an empty spreadsheet, and set up the spreadsheet as described in README.HTM
These three Rows must always head a FreeCEN Spreadsheet data-file.
Always <Save> "real work" using the file-name advised by your Co-ordinator.

The first few pages ...

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.

After entering a few census pages to the spreadsheet it will be useful to RUN CSVCHECK [9b] to test your work (since it is just as easy to develop good practices as bad).
CSVCHECK will confirm the compliance of your work with the standards required and may indicate aspects of your technique that need correction.

CSVCHECK may be used at any time, and should always be run when you have completed all work and before you forward your work for conversion and Checking.

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..

Save all work on your Hard Drive using the natural format of your spreadsheet (e.g. as .XLS or .WPS etc). This will ensure that your initial setting-up is retained when you next open the spreadsheet.

Back-Up all work to a floppy disk or other "removable medium".
Spreadsheet data-files can become bulky and unable to fit onto a single floppy disk if always saved in the 'natural format'. Backing up using .CSV format will enable a very large Census Piece to fit comfortably onto a single floppy disk.