[5b]

FreeCEN Getting Started - Checking

Field Descriptions [4c]
Enumerator errors [7b]
Notes & Comments [7a]
GENIE Place Locator [9a]
Help & Support [7f]
Completed Work [7g]
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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! 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: WINCC

You have the option to adjust screen font size to suit your preferences. This may be changed at any time.
  • Type your personal FreeCEN code. This comprises two letters from your SUrname and two letters from your FOrename. "John SMITH" would type "SMJO".
  • Type your full name.
  • Follow the instructions: WINCC will determine the correct address for your floppy disk drive before setting up a TEST file.

    HELP Pages

    WINCC comes with on-screen Help pages which can be accessed at any time from <F1> , and may be left "in back-ground" while you are working.
    The HELP Pages may be printed from the screen if desired.

    Tutorial

    WINCC does not contain any structured Tutorial. A very small data-file is included which will be useful to become familiar with the basic routine operations described in the Help Pages.

    When confidence has built up, you can import some "real work" and improve your skills using a TEST file created from the imported data. Particular attention should be given to the techniques involved for "Insert record", "Join Households" and "Split Household" before attempting any real Checking work.

    Note that you must <Tab> for every field: the routine will not accept holding down the <Tab> key and allowing the keyboard auto-repeat to operate. Indeed, some workers may find it beneficial to slow the auto-response on their keyboards.

    While WINCC allows "Jump to..." any record in the datafile, Checking and Acceptance of records can only be effected in strict sequence from the start of the file.
    You can go back to re-examine or to make changes to any record that has already been "Accepted".

    You can leave WINCC at any time by using the small Windows "x" at the top-right of the screen.
    [Back-Up to Floppy Disk] may be selected from the top Control Bar of the title screen.

    Subsequent starts

    WINCC will normally re-open ready to continue from where you last ceased work.
    Although it is possible for WINCC to work two or more 'Pieces' this is not generally recommended.
    WINCC will adjust itself for each different year or county to be worked.
    From the title page Control Bar, select [Options] and [Change to Another Piece]

    This is also the means of changing between TEST and Production operations.

    [Import New Piece(s)]

    This is available from the [Options] drop-down menu on the title page.

    WINCC v2.2.9 and later cater for file import other than from floppy-disk. Note that successful import requires the ZIP file supplied with the work; do not UNZIP it!
    On completion of Import a window is presented from which you must select the filename of the Piece to work.

    Checker's Notes You will not be able to edit Notes left by the Transcriber, but will be able to write your own comments for any record using the "Checker's Notes" panel at the left of screen.

    Note that, for a fresh household, while you may have "Accepted" the Header Pane, this data is not actually "Saved" until you have also Accepted the first resident of the household. Suggested practice is therefore that you should always complete examination and acceptance of the first resident before digressing to [Browse] or any other screen template.
    Note that a Checker's Note, if added after acceptance of the relevant record should also be [Accept]ed before proceeding to [Next to Check].

    Household Numbers It will be found that the Transcriber's file contains Housholds numbered in a strict sequence, but that during the course of Checking the file some of these household numbers may vanish, to be replaced by very large numbers which do not maintain that strict sequence.
    This is quite normal and should not cause alarm provided the records are seen (in [Browse] ) to be in the required physical sequence.

    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..

    WINCC v2.2.9 and later allow Back-Up to be made, or recovered, by methods other than the use of a Floppy Disk.
    <F1> HELP, "#4 Start up Menu Options" contains details.

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    27Nov2003