CHRRDBA - DOS
31 Dec 98

This user's guide illustrates how to begin using the DOS version of the data base access software CHRRDBA. This retrieval system accompanies on CD-ROM one or more of the National Longitudinal Survey's (NLS) databases. With it you can begin to extract data and prepare that data for statistical analysis. You can create, modify, and save your own personalized, extracted files for further research. This package is easy to use. If you already have some knowledge of the NLS and a search strategy in mind, you will be able to complete that search and extract a file within minutes of using the guide. Just follow this guide and substitute your own strategy for the examples given.

To get the most out of this User's Guide, you should already be familiar with the NLS and know how your interests can be served by NLS data. You need some idea of the samples covered and the types of information collected by the survey instrument. If you have any questions about the NLS data and your interests, please consult the NLS Handbook or the relevant NLS Users’ Guide.

In addition to a knowledge of the NLS and its data, you need to have some knowledge of the MS-DOSÒ or MicrosoftÒ WindowsÔ operating systems. This guide explains how to use the DOS version of the NLS data extraction software, but setting up the software can be done with either the MS-DOSÒ or MicrosoftÒ WindowsÔ operating system.

1.2 Space considerations

You may select up to 1024 variables per extract. The capacity of your PC's hard disk is the factor limiting the size of the extract you may design. The amount of disk space required for a given extract is automatically calculated for you during your selection session so you can make sure you have adequate space available before executing the extract.

If your PC has a disk drive with 650 megabytes of free capacity, you can copy the entire CD-ROM to that device. This greatly enhances performance because the data transfer rate on such a device can be up to six times faster than that of a CD reader, depending upon the disk drive used.

The compact disc contained in this package is in the IS09660 standard. It contains NLS files, applications, and data in binary format. The list of items on the CD-ROM is shown below.

• CHRRDBA.BAR - CHRRDBA for DOS support file.
• CHRRDBA.EXE - CHRRDBA for DOS executable.
• CHRRDBA.HLP - CHRRDBA for DOS help file.
• CHRRDBA.PSC - a printable manual, CD ROM User's Guide CHRRDBA for DOS, this manual.
• INDEX.HTM - a link for your local browser to:
  • CHRRDBA.HTM - an hypertext manual, CD ROM User's Guide CHRRDBA for DOS, this manual.
  • Other cohort-specific HTML document(s).

1.4 Conventions used in this manual

The following conventions are used throughout this guide.

<Enter>	Anything enclosed in a angle brackets represents a key on the keyboard. Find the corresponding key and press it.
<Alt>+<F1>	The plus (+) sign between two keys means hold down the first key and press the second key. Then release both keys.
bold	Bold font is used for a variety of purposes. References to fields, boxes, buttons, keyboard keys, and actions to perform appear in bold. Anything that you are asked to type exactly as it appears is also in bold font. For example, if you are asked to type NLSDBA, it will appear as NLSDBA. The software is not sensitive to upper or lower case.
italics	Anything that is a placeholder for variable information will be written in italics. For example, if you are asked to provide the name of a file it will appear as filename, a letter for a disk drive as d:.
	Anything enclosed in a shaded box represents a sample screen used by the software. Screens may be labelled as "figures" or not labelled at all. The data on the sample screens are for example only.
Textual Topic	If text in this manual is underlined and blue and the accompanying instructions indicate to 'click' on a topic to jump to it, this reference refers to both the hypertext version of this manual or the Word 97 version of the manual when it is 'open' on your PC. In the printed manual the underlined text will not appear in blue. To locate its place in the printed manual consult the topic in the index.

1.5 Compact disc care

Compact discs should be handled with care. Do not touch the surface. Hold the disc by the outside edge and gently place it in the CD reader. It should be stored in its plastic case. If the surface becomes scratched or damaged, the CD may become unusable. Never wipe the surface with cloth; it may be air-cleaned.

When a new year of data is added to the NLS database, a new compact disc may be purchased along with the current software. As the software is refined and updated, new software versions will be issued with the next available data update. Any major errors in the search software will be released on PC diskette as soon as they are discovered. Whenever you receive any updated version of the data or software, you must re-install the new versions.

If you have any customer service questions or technical support problems please contact:

• The Ohio State University
• Center for Human Resource Research
• Chatham Lane, Suite 200
• Columbus, OH 43221-2418
• 614-442-7366 "User Services"

• E-mail: USERSVC@postoffice.chrr.ohio-state.edu

Chapter 1. About This User's Guide
Chapter 2. Setting Up the NLS Software
Chapter 3. Main Menu Screens for Data CDs
Chapter 4. Extract Specification File
Chapter 5. Accessing the Data
Chapter 6. Performing an Extract
Chapter 7. Print Documentation
Chapter 8. Error Messages
Chapter 9. Table of Figures
Chapter 10. Index

E-mail: editor