Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I need any special software to run this CD-ROM?
   
   No, this CD-ROM comes with all the software needed to run the Ivation 20/20 Browser, as well as the necessary software to access all the documentation and files.

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2. What is on the 1997 CFS CD-ROM?
   
   This 1997 CFS CD-ROM includes predefined tables, accessible by the Ivation 20/20 software, for U.S., state, metropolitan area, remainder of state, and Census Regions and Division level data. In addition, we have included PDF formatted tables for these data, as well as for hazardous material shipments data, and export data. You will also find a complete set of the survey documentation and materials, also available in PDF format.

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3. What is PDF?
   
   PDF- Portable Document Format files are viewable by Adobe Acrobat, which is pre-loaded on this CD-ROM. The PDF format allows for viewing and printing of selected 1997 CFS tables in full print-publication format. To access these tables, go to the PDF page.

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4. Are the 1997 CFS questionnaires available to view on the CD-ROM?
   
   Yes. The 1997 CFS survey materials, including questionnaires, instruction guides, and coding manuals are available in PDF format. To access these materials go to the Survey Materials page.

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5. Can I display the numeric commodity code (SCTG) instead of the description that appears?
   
   Yes. You can choose to display either the numeric code or the description for commodities. First, select the commodity item by clicking on the SCTG heading. Then click on the "Next Label" icon (between the arrow pointing right and the print icon) in the toolbar above of the table. This will change the display between the description and the numeric code. (Due to formatting issues we were unable to display both at the same time. We hope to adress this issue in any future releases.)

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6. How can I review the same table for multiple states (or Metropolitan Areas) without having to go back and forth to the table menu each time?
   
   From the table menu, instead of selecting an individual state or metropolitan area, select **States** or **MA and Remainder of States** and then select the table of interest. Once the table is active, click on the state (or MA, etc.) to make the geography the selected dimension. You can them use the arrows in the toolbar to scroll through the different areas. Alternatively, you may "click and drag" the initial geography shown to the column or row item to display the full range of geography along either axis of the table.

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7. What is the "symbol" column for in the Ivation formatted tables?
   
   The symbol column is present to indicate why a given cell is not shown. There are three reasons why a cell may show a "-", instead of a number:
   
   • 1.0 - the cell amount is less than one publication unit
     
   • 2.0 - the number did not meet Census Bureau publication standards due to high sampling variability, imputation, or other factors.
     
   • 3.0 - the number was suppressed due to disclosure protection concerns.
   
   To determine why a cell was not published, click on the appropriate symbol cell. The definition of the symbols presented will appear.

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8. Can I save my tables in a different file format?
   
   Yes. You can save any of the predefined tables, or your modified versions of the tables, in several different file formats, including dBase (*.dbf), text (*.txt), WKS worksheet (*.wks), and WK1 worksheet (*.wk1). To save a table (or a subset of one) choose Save As from the file menu. At the bottom left of the box that appears is a menu for List Files of All Types, where you can select the format in which you want to save the table. Be sure to note both the file name, and where you have saved the file.

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9. Are estimates of sampling variability on the CD-ROM?
   
   Yes. For every data cell we show the appropriate measure of sampling variability in the "b" tables. You can access these tables in Ivation through the data table menu.

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10. How can I get more information about the CFS program?
    
    For additional information about the CFS, please visit the Bureau of Transpotation Statistics web-site at www.bts.gov, or the Census web-site at: http://www.census.gov/econ/www/cfsmain.html . Also, please see our Contact Information page on this CD-ROM.

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