A. BetaDataFerrett is the latest release of the DataFerrett software under development. BetaDataFerrett includes many enhancements and bug fixes to the production version of DataFerrett, as well as the release of some new datasets. BetaDataFerrett has a new look and feel, and, as the term beta implies, it is the test version of DataFerrett. Users are invited to download BetaDataFerrett and relay their findings and impressions to the DataFerrett Team.

Please note that the reference to BetaDataFerrett will apply to only BetaDataFerrett issues. DataFerrett will continue to be supported until BetaDataFerrett has completed it's rigorous test plan. We thank you for your time, insights, and assistance.

Q. I have installed the Beta version of Data Ferret on my Vista OS PC. Why doesn't it load?

A. The problem is upgrading permissions within Vista. If you run the application as administrator, different than logging in as admin, then the update will work. To run as administrator, you need to hold down the shift button and right click to get a drop down menu with "log-in as administrator" as an option.

Q. How do I use BetaDataferrett?

A. After you log-in to DataFerrett a Getting Started with BetaDataFerrett tour will pop-up that gives you a quick trip through basic DataFerrett functions like selecting datasets, variables, recoding a variable in the DataBasket, creating a table, or doing a data extraction. Users can also find a link under Help in DataFerrett.

Every screen in DataFerrett contains an button that gives Instructions for that screen.

More detailed information is in the BetaDataFerrett Users' Guide (on the right).

A. DataFerrett stores it's data on many different machines. When you begin using DataFerrett there are many possible datasets that may contain data pertaining to your query. You will want to be sure that you are getting data from the same dataset to insure the integrity of the data. DataFerrett gives you a process of searching through many datasets to ascertain your needs. When you have decided which dataset meets your criteria you will select and add the variables with the appropriate values to your DataBasket to tabulate or extract. Then you will get to the "numbers" or data.

The variables are found in DataFerrett under the Step 1 tab.

Open the (+)Dataset or (+)Survey you are interested in,
click on the bulleted listing, select View Variables or Descriptions to view the topics for variables to the screen,
Check a single topic box, or several or select the Select All Topics and then select Search
Double click on a highlighted variable or highlight a several variables and open them with the ,
The Ferrett Browse Variable window allows you to browse and select variables and their values,
Select OK to add to your DataBasket.

Step 2

Step 3

Download

Make a Table

Q. I keep getting a dos box that disappears and DataFerrett doesn't start.

The blank box means that DataFerrett has not been installed completely due to restrictions on the computer.

This may mean that a system administrator must install new software or the computer blocks JAVA. A system administrator MUST be called to install the application onto your computer. You may have a Proxy Server and will require using the applet. Your System Administrator should be able to assist you.

The latest security patches and software updates sometimes include pop-up blockers. This may also be the cause of the prevention of DataFerrett being installed properly.

The DataFerrett Applet can be downloaded and installed on any computer.

Q. What is the proper citation for DataFerrett info if I use it in a publication?

A. To cite the use of data in a publication the proper citation using data from the DataFerrett will be: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Survey Name Month Year.

Q. What is the difference between the DataFerrett Application and the DataFerrett using an Applet?

A. Applet Users require the use of the internet browser page and the page should be bookmarked to access the browser icon to start the DataFerrett Applet.

The DataFerrett Application is the preferred method of DataFerrett for retrieving data. If you are able to install applications to your computer you will want to use the "Download DataFerrett" link to download the install program to the desktop. This install icon will appear on the desktop. Double click on this icon to open the install wizard and follow steps indicated.

When you have completed the install, the DataFerrett icon will reside on your desktop for easy access as long as you are connected to the internet.

The DataFerrett Applet has the exact same look and data content as the DataFerrett Application. The Applet is for those computers that do not allow applications to be installed and require a system administrator. The system administrator can install the Application onto your computer or your network. The Applet is a JAVA program that will be incorporated into your windows environment. See the Applet installation instructions for details. Download the Applet to your desktop and this icon will appear. Double click on this icon to open the install wizard and follow steps indicated. When you have completed the install, choose Internet Explorer or Netscape and use this link to start DataFerrett. You will have to keep the browser window open with the java progress bar at all times while you are in DataFerrett. Closing this window will end your DataFerrett Session.

See the Policy File instructions for file locations which depend on your operating system. The Policy File is also called a Windows Permission File. This small text file lets the Windows operating system know that you want to be able to copy, paste and save your DataFerrett Session, DataBasket and DataFerrett Tabulation Layout. A Policy File is not required for the DataFerrett Application.

Both the Application and the Applet access the exact same data.

Q. I have a Macintosh computer. Does DataFerrett work on a Mac?

A. Download the MacDataFerrett Install here.

Q. I have a 56K modem and the file is too large making the download process too long. Is there a faster method?

A. DataFerrett will download over a 56K Modem. You can make a request for a CD with a DataFerrett Installation package at support@thedataweb.org or call the DataFerrett Help Desk toll free at 1-866-437-0717 and have a CD mailed. The CD does NOT have data included. Use DataFerrett to get to the "data".

Q. I get a message that says "Can't Connect to Server"

A. Please call the DataFerrett Help Desk toll free at 1-866-437-0171 to report a server down.

Q. Why do the numbers returned look wrong?

A. There are several things to take into consideration as you collect your variables in your DataBasket: Every variable you add to the DataBasket affects the universe (integrity) of your query; You will want to read the documentation (if supplied by the collector or sponsor); You may want to apply a different weight to your query; Check the values of the variable that you have selected in the Ferrett Browse Variable window; You may wish to recode a variable to better specify your query; and/or you may wish to contact the sponsor of the dataset directly for information on your query.

Q. Why do I have use my email address to log into DataFerrett?

A. The email address is required to access to DataFerrett. The DataFerrett Team only uses the email address when returning downloaded data or responding to help messages. If you have incurred and error, your email address is the way that we will contact you and alert you to a resolution or notify you that we have actually been informed of your error and we are going to fix the problem. If you DO NOT use your correct email address and we had a question for you, we would not be able to help you. On rare occasions, DataFerrett will send out an announcement regarding special notices. DataFerrett DOES NOT publish nor give your email address to ANY entity outside our doors.

Q. We have a problem with the latest release of your DataFerret Suite. The Programm installs fine on an WinXP-Box with the IE installed. But when the user is attempting to open the program he receives an error message saying that a "Can not find a hmtl browser". I attach a screenshot of the error. The machine is properly configured to access the internet via the local university lan.

A. On your c: > Program Files > BetaDataFerrett there are two files: ferrett.cfg and ferrett.tmp. Depending on the manner of installation this file may not show the path name of your browser (IE or Netscape, etc.). In notepad you can open the files to check and they do not appear as similar to what is shown below, EDIT the last line to reflect the last line in the image below. As an example, the programmers commented the assumed line out as seen in the image below as the 2nd to the last line.

Q. What does the Update box for DataFerrett do when I close DataFerrett?

A. The DataFerrett Team is constantly making enhancements or fixing bugs. This updating process is your way of getting the latest version of DataFerrett.

If the update does not work, it is suggested that the DataFerrett be un-installed and reinstalled from the website.

Q. Where do I report a problem?

A. All comments, questions, and problems about DataFerrett or TheDataWeb can be directed to the quality assurance/error report under HELP on the drop-down menu in DataFerrett or though the email address at the bottom of each DataWeb site page support@thedataweb.org forms. Call the DataFerrett HelpDesk toll free at 1-866-437-0171.

Or Submit an Error Report for the DataWeb

Q. I received an Out of Memory Error. How do I resolve this issue?

A. If I you received an out of memeory error, go to www.thedataweb.org/outofmemoryerror.html for instructions how to increase the memory that the DataFerrett uses on your computer.

Q. I am using the DataFerrett Applet and I am trying to download some variables. I have received an IndexArrayOutofBounds JavaLang message. What does that mean?

A. You need to make sure that you have put a policy file in the correct location so that you can copy, paste, download and save your DataBasket. Click on the policy file link above or go to the Copy, Paste, Save link below.

Q. Why are my numbers different when I am using the same variables?

A. The last variable that is dropped into the table may have a different applied weight. Consequently, the universe of the table is affected by last variable dropped and this is what will weight the numbers returned to the table

Q. How do I make the GO button come back?

A. Workaround:

Select the < Options > from the drop down menu. Select < Weighting >. Select the weight (or change to another weight if desired, and then the GO button will be reactivated.

Q. I have downloaded DataFerrett but every time I go to install the program I get the error message "Error installing iKernel.exe (0xa00" How do I fix this?

A. You need to contact your System Administrator to install the DataFerrett application. You probably do not have software installation rights to your network.

Q. I am using the DataFerrett Applet and I have received a message that says "Your Security Setting prohibit ActiveX and the result is the page will not run correctly."

A. You are probably on a network with a firewall that will not allow downloading of software. One solution would be to contact your System Administrator who will have to put the plug-in on the network.

Another solution may be to update your current browser (Netscape or Internet Explorer).

Please call the DataFerrett office for more assistance if these solutions do not work (866-437-0171).

Q. I get a "Cannot Download config file," and the message bar at the bottom of the netscape window says that "auto proxy config file not initiated."

A. This means that your proxy for Netscape is not set to allow direct to internet. Go to Edit > Preferences > Advanced > Proxies > and select the Direct Connection to the Internet. Internet Explorer go to Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings > If you have any checked boxes or links written in the text areas you have a Proxy Server. Please restart your machine and then bring up your browser to www.thedataweb.org/applet.html.

Q. I get a message that says I can't copy from DataFerrett What do I need to do this?

A. You will need a Policy File which is actually a Windows System Permission file. It is a tiny text file that is included in your Windows directory and it tells Windows to accept input from JAVA to save to your clipboard and save to your computer. See the Policy File instructions for locations depending on your operating system.

I have received a message that says "you will not be able to copy, paste, or save your sessions."

A. If you are using a Windows operating system you will want to copy and paste and save your DataFerrett session. You can create your own policy file simply copy the code from this link into Notepad. Select File > Save As > go to "Save as text", select "All Files", and save the file as ".java.policy" and place it into the following Windows directory depending on your operating system:

C:\Windows\Profiles\username on multiuser Windows 95 and 98 systems

C:\Windows on singlersinglen Windows 95 and 98 systems

C:\Winnt\Profiles\username on Windows NT, XP

C:\Documents and Settings\username on Windows 2000, XP

Q. What does Imputation mean?

The assignment of values by the Census Bureau when information is missing or inconsistent. Imputation relies on the tendency of households of the same size within a small geographic area to be similar in most characteristics. For example, the value of "rented" is likely to be imputed for a housing unit not reporting on owner/renter status in a neighborhood with multi-unit structures for which other respondents reported "rented" on the census questionnaire. There are two major types of imputation: 1) allocation, in which missing values for individual items are entered on the basis of other reported information for the person or household (or from other persons or households with similar characteristics) and 2) substitution, in which all of the information for a person or household is created from other persons or households with similar characteristics.

Q. I'm not sure which dataset has the information I'm looking for?

A. There are Sponsor links and data descriptions of the datasets available in DataFerrett at www.thedataweb.org/datasets.html. For specific data questions Help can be found at:

Current Population Survey: 301-763-3806 (cpshelp@info.census.gov)

Survey of Income and Program Participation: 301-763-3185 (hhes.sipp.survey@census.gov)

Decennial Census of Population and Housing: http://www.census.gov/contacts/www/c-census2000.html

All other surveys have links at datasets.html link.

Q. I have created several tables using the same variables and survey used for some CPS tables from Census. Even though I use the same variables as the Census table, my numbers are different.

A. DataFerrett will use the weight of the Last Variable Dropped into the spreadsheet, so the results are based on the order in which you construct your table.

So, (for example) the health insurance variable is using a person weight. You "GO GET DATA" and it will use the person weight (MARSUPWT). Then you go back and drop in the geography. That variable uses a household weight (HSUP_WGT). The last variable dropped into the spreadsheet uses that weight as a default.

You can manually change your weights by selecting (in the Tabulation screen) Options -> Weighting -> HSUP_WGT or MARSUPWT.

The problem might also be the universe used for another variable (may be a recode or a value is or is not selected) might affect your results. Our best suggestions will be to check out directly with the office that produced the tables you are referring to. Since that office produced the table, the staff from that office will know how these tables were created and how the variables were recoded in order to obtain the numbers.

Please refer to this link http://www.census.gov/contacts/www/c-pophoustat.html to find out the staff/office responsible for the report/table. Since most offices produce several reports a year, it is important that you refer to the report number (P20-XXX, P23-XXX, etc) when calling.

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Last update: 10/30/2007