FAQS for DataFerrett

Q. I'm not able to get my extraction. I'm using the Applet.

A. In a Firefox browser window -> Tools-> Option-> Content tab-> The block pop-up windows has an " Exceptions " button. Click and add: dataferrett.census.gov. A. In a Internet Explorer window -> Pop-up Blocker Settings -> Add dataferrett.census.gov address to allow website.

Q. I'm not able to copy and paste or save my table. I'm using the Applet for Firefox.

A. Make sure you save your .java.policy file to your profiles (usually on the C: drive -> Documents and Settings ->YourName. Make sure it is saved as type: " ALL Files "

Q. I have loaded the Beta version of DataFerret on my Vista OS PC. First it loads as an x86 application. Then when you get it loaded it performs an update and asks to restart Data Ferret, which asks for an update which asks for a reload of Data Ferret which…… It never actually loads.

A. The problem is upgrading primssions within Vista. If you run the application as administrator, different then loggin in as admin, then the update will work. To run as administrator, you need to hold down the shift button and right click and there will be a drop down menu with that as an option.

Q. This is my formula in the tabulation screen:=comp ((d2/c3)*100)

The application would not accept the '=' character...so as far as entering formulas nothing would work.

A. No spaces in the syntax and the "d2" should be "c2"

Q. I am helping a student who is running OS 10.4.9 on their Macbook. The main problem we are having is that Data Ferret is not displaying images. I've tested the App on my powerbook running 10.4.8 and have the same issue. Is this a known issue? Is there a solution? Possibly update the version of Java?

A. We have a newer version of the Mac download @ mac.html Try to redownload that to get the images.

Q. Can we download different year of data together? for example, those longitudinal data.

A. Yes, if the availability of the data matches, just highlight the years (use your control or shift key).

Q. Can your service be used to get a copy of a hsehld census showing personal info,ie,..name,date of birth of one individual in the family of the household?We're trying to establish location of birth and date of birth in order to get a delayed birth certificate from the state of Nebraska.Thanks for your help.

A. Due to our confidentiality laws we do not give out identifying personal information on any individuals.

Q. Can I obtain a password for DataFerrett so that I am not restricted to Public Use Data?

A. Passwords are for access to internal or confidential data and providers of data that are testing before they release to the public.

Q. I keep running into a "out of memory error" when I'm selecting my geographies. I'm selecting Census variables and then trying to get the data on the Census tract level. Any suggestions on how to fix the problem?

A. Go to outofmemoryerror.html and follow the instructions to adjust your computer's capabilities.

Q. What are the DataFerrett Bugs?

A. Go to the link: KnownBugs.html to see the current Bugs.

Q. What is a BETADataferrett?

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. How do I use this Beta version of Dataferrett?

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 I button that gives Instructions for that screen.

Q. Where is the data?

A. DataFerrett stores it's data on many different machines (a distributed network). When you begin using DataFerrett there are many possible datasets that may contain data pertaining to your query. 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 you have selected, to your DataBasket to tabulate or extract. Drag and drop the variables on the Ferrett Tabulation, click on GoGetData and you will then get the "numbers" or data.

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 DataFerrettwill be: U.S. Census Bureau, DataFerrett, Survey Name Month Year.

Q. What is the difference between theDataFerrett Application and the DataFerrett 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.

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

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.

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 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 GoGetData button come on?

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. 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. What does the update box for DataFerrett do?

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

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 site page dsd_ferrett@census.gov forms. Call the DataFerrett HelpDesk toll free at 1-866-437-0171.

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. I get a message that says I can't copy from DataFerrett. I am using the Applet. 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.