Chapter 1

Introduction and Background

This chapter introduces the MAX User's Guide and provides background information on several topics. This chapter contains the following modules:

Overview of this Document

Instructions
This user manual instructs OMB examiners and agency analysts in the use of the MAX Data Entry System.

This document is organized into chapters. Each chapter contains a number of related modules. This document is process-oriented, not scree or menu-oriented. Each module instructs you how to perform one task; a module does not explain what a particular menu option does. For example, a module might tell you how to view an account's Treasury data. This user manual is more of a tutorial than a reference manual.

The average module is two pages. Each module contains the following:

• A heading that describes the entry's topic. For example: "Deleting an Amount."
• Detailed instructions that expand on the entry's heading.
• An exhibit(s) such as a diagram, table, or screen image to help explain the topic. Most but not all modules have an exhibit.
• Notes to cover any material not covered by one of the above sections. Not every module has notes.

We use certain conventions throughout this document. They are:

• Screen names, box names, field names, and button names are shown in initial caps (e.g., "The system then presents the Save Account box.").
• Menu options are shown in all capitals with a hyphen separating the main menu option from its drop-down menu option (e.g., "Select the EDIT-PASTE option."). This means you must select the Edit option from the main menu, then choose the Paste option from the Edit drop-down menu.
• Keys are shown in all capitals (e.g., "the ENTER key").
• Other sections of the manual are shown in initial caps and in quotes (e.g., 'Refer to "Who to Call for Help" in Chapter 1.').

The following is a list of the chapters.

• Chapter 1 Introduction and Background
• Chapter 2 Communicating With the Mainframe
• Chapter 3 Basic Editing
• Chapter 4 Additional Editing
• Chapter 5 Reviewing Data
• Chapter 6 Utilities and Miscellaneous Topics
• Communications Supplement

Assumptions About You (the User)

Instructions
This user manual makes several assumptions. If you do not feel comfortable with the topics identified below, ask for help from a more knowledgeable user at your site or call the number provided in the "Who to Call For Help" module in this chapter.

This manual assumes that:

• You are familiar with the OMB Circular No. A-11 and budget concepts. It is not the purpose of this user manual to teach A-11 and data-related concepts.
• You (or someone else) have installed the MAX and associated software on your PC.
• You have an OMB userid and a SecurID card. The data entry system will only permit you to download those accounts that you are authorized to view or edit. To make changes to your authorization level, call Jane Moy.

MAX A-11 Requirements

The following recommendations represent the minimum requirements for the upcoming

Budget Season:

Who to Call for Help

PROBLEMS WITH: CONTACTS

USERID AND PASSCODE Client Services (395-7370)

• Need an Userid
• Forgot the passcode or password
• Suspended because of passcode
• or password violations
• Need a SecurID card

INTERNET

• Configuring Internet to work Client Services (395-7370) or with MAX A-11 Martha Wallace (395-5682)

WINDOWS 98 OR NT 4.0 Client Services (395-7370)

• Configuring Windows 98 or NT to work with MAX A-11

INSTALLING MAX SOFTWARE Client Services (395-7370)

MAX A-11 DATA ENTRY

• Using the MAX A-11 software Jane Moy (395-6934) or
• Accessing MAX accounts Carolyn Phelps

Instructions
You can call Mondays through Fridays, 9:00am to 5:30pm (Eastern time). If you get no answer when you call, please leave your name, number, and a message on voice mail.

Please have the following information available when you call:

• Your userid,
• The version of Windows you are using,
• The model of hardware you are using (e.g., IBM 350-P90),
• What communication software you are using, and
• What you were doing when the problem occurred.