Methods of data input
Data input can be achieved by use of the keyboard and the mouse. It is possible to input data by exclusive use of the keyboard or (with some limitations) by exclusive use of the mouse. It is probably most efficient to use a combination of the two with the emphasis on keyboard use for large amounts of data input such as diary cards.
Navigation around the screen.
The most obvious way to move between input boxes is to use the mouse to point to the box and a left button click to select it. While entering data, it is usually easier to use the keyboard for navigation. To move forward the "Tab" key is used. The "Enter" key on the main keyboard and the "Enter" key on the numeric keypad perform the same function as "Tab". In some fields, the cursor left and right keys can be used to move between the entry boxes.
To move backwards use the "Tab" key in conjunction with "Shift" key.
Entries of dates.
The date can be typed. Only the numbers in the date need to be entered. If an impossible digit is typed, the computer will beep and ignore the key press. All four digits of the year must be entered. If an invalid date is entered, the entry will revert to the previous value on exit from the box, or an error message will displayed. The up and down cursor keys can be used to change elements of the date up and down by one. The placement of the cursor selects the element (day, month or year) to be changed.
The mouse can be used for date entry by clicking on the down arrow. This will cause a calendar to appear. The arrows on the top bar can be used to change the month and year. Click on the required day to select it. The full date will be place in the input the box.
Entry of times
Times may be typed in, or the up and down cursor keys used to increase or decrease the hours or minutes elements. The element affected depends on where the cursor is positioned.
The up and down arrow keys can be used in conjunction with the mouse to increase or decrease the hours or minutes section of the time depending on where the cursor is positioned.
Entry of numbers
Numbers may be typed in, or the up and down cursor keys used to increase or decrease the number by one.
The up and down arrow keys can be used in conjunction with the mouse to increase or decrease the number.
Entry of items from fixed lists.
An example of a fixed list is the selection of the speciality for the group, or the grade code. Keyboard or mouse may be used to select an item from the list.
With the mouse, click on the down arrow to cause the list of options to appear. Scroll up and down as required and then click on the desired item.
With the keyboard, type the beginning portion of the desired item. The list will be repositioned incrementally, as you type. For example, if you type "g", the list will be positioned at the first speciality beginning with "g", if you then type "e" the first speciality beginning with "ge" will be selected etc. The cursor keys may be used to make the final selection when the list as been positioned in the vicinity of the required item. Press the Enter key to actually make the selection. The incremental search will be performed if typing is continuous. If you pause for one to two seconds, the search will be reset and the next letter typed will start the search from the beginning with that letter as the first of the word.
Entry of items from variable lists.
These are similar to fixed lists, but it is possible to add extra items to the list. Examples of this type of list are the trust and site data entry boxes. When you type in the entry area an incremental search is performed. If the item you require is in the list then stop typing when the correct entry is displayed. If a new entry is being added, just continue typing the required text.
Buttons
Normally, a button is activated by a left mouse click. Often, a keyboard short cut is also defined for the button. The key to be used is indicated by an underlined letter in the text on the button. The "Alt" key is used in conjunction with the specified letter to activate the button. This is useful, for example, in diary card input, where Alt+N can be used to store the current diary entry and move to the next day without moving your hands off the keyboard.
Check boxes.
These are small rectangular boxes which contain a tick if selected. A left mouse click will select or remove the tick in the box. If control is on the box (a dotted line around the associated text), then the space bar on the keyboard can also be used to place or remove the tick.
Radio buttons.
These are small circular buttons in groups, where only one of the group may be selected. A left mouse click is the usual way to select an item. The keyboard can also be used. When control moves to the set of radio buttons, the cursor keys can be used to move the selection between the buttons.
