2.1: Program Language and Operating Platforms

The program for EZ-Text was written in Visual Basic®. It uses Microsoft Access® database structure, which means that all database file names must have a ".mdb" extension. EZ-Text runs on Windows^TM 3.1, Windows^TM for Workgroups 3.1, Windows^TM 95, and Windows^TM NT (versions 3.51 and 4.0) operating platforms. There are no plans to develop versions for Macintosh® or other systems.

2.2: Computer Hardware

It is recommended that EZ-Text be installed on computers with moderately fast Pentium-compatible processors (e.g., 100MHz or higher speed) that have at least 16 MB of RAM. The program may work on less powerful computers, but users may exceed system resources when working with large files. Databases can become large, and the computer must be able to work with large files. For example, a database for a study with 30 open-ended questions containing all the coded response text passages for 70 respondents may equal or exceed 1 or 2 MB in size. Use of EZ-Text on weak or out of date computers may result in poor performance, system crashes, or data loss.

2.3: Importance of Backing Up Databases

As with other applications, it is strongly recommended that users always copy their data files to back-up locations on a regular basis (e.g., copy the database to a separate file named for the date or day of the week after each work session). EZ-Text simplifies this process by automatically asking the user if he/she would like to make a back-up copy.

2.4: Other Technical Features

Version 3.06 of EZ-Text is not designed for simultaneous use by multiple users on a LAN. Future versions of EZ-Text will address this limitation. However, the program can be independently installed on the local hard drives at different work sites or multiple computers on a LAN. Files created on separate computers can be merged, provided that each user has employed identical data entry templates and there is no overlap of respondent ID numbers. Once a template file has been finalized, and copies are distributed to research team members, a password system prevents unauthorized personnel from making independent modifications. This helps guarantee that templates used for data entry on different computers remain comparable and can later be merged. A second password system protects the content of the codebook, which helps ensure that multiple coders use identical coding instructions during data analysis.

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