[6b]

FreeCEN Validation

Getting Started:

Using VALDREV [6c]
Enumerator errors [7b]
Notes & Comments [7a]
GENIE Place Locator [9a]
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! 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: VALDREV

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: VALDREV will determine the correct address for your floppy disk drive before setting up a TEST file.

    HELP Pages

    VALDREV 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

    VALDREV does not contain any structured Tutorial. A small data-file (RG12TEST) 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.
    Take care lest any unchecked records are missed by jumping 'forward'!

    VALDREV allows "Jump to..." any record in the datafile, Checking and Acceptance of records can be effected in any 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 VALDREV 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

    VALDREV will normally re-open ready to continue from where you last ceased work.
    Although it is possible for VALDREV to work two or more 'Pieces' this is not generally recommended.
    VALDREV 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.

    VALDREV v1.3.1 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.

    Validator's Notes
    You will be able to edit Notes left by the Transcriber, and will be able to write your own comments for any record using the "Validator's Notes" panel at the left of screen.

    Records marked for Deletion
    A Validator cannot 'undelete' records which had been flagged by either the Transcriber or the Checker. The Validator can only 'undelete' records which they had earlier deleted in error.
    Comment should be made in "Validator's Notes" if any particular records must not be deleted.

    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 vanished, 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 to be in the required physical sequence.
    All households will be renumbered in correct sequence on completion of the Valdiation process

    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..

    "Working VALDREV" [6c] - or - Back to Index
    27Nov2003