User Guide
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We welcome you to this Hypermedia publication. The idea behind this design is to make economic analysis and data easier to access. The reader of this publication is able to quickly link from written analysis to data and back. As well, it is convenient to quickly switch topic. Whenever you would like to start over, click "Home" which is always located in the upper left corner. This "User Guide" is also always available near the upper left hand corner.
This "User Guide" has two main sections, "How to Access Analysis and Data", and "Technical Issues". The former section contains a description of how to navigate the publication, while the latter section contains information helpful if technical issues arise.
How to Access Analysis and Data
How to Access Analysis and Data
This publication makes use of a menu that is always available on the left hand side. From here the reader can quickly access written analysis or data, and they can easily choose any available topic.
The menu contains three main lists. The first list, "Topics", provides links so that the reader can access information by topic, for example, "Executive Summary". The second list, "Analysis and Data", provides links that will ultimately lead to the same detailed information as the first, but via a different method of choice. Here the user can go directly to "Charts" for example, skipping the "Executive Summary" that is available in the "Topics" list. The third list, "Sponsorship", provides information to those interested in becoming involved with our Economic Forecast Project.
- Written Analysis
- Click this link on the left to access a list of each written topic. Once a topic is clicked and the written analysis is displayed, "Data Links" near the upper right hand corner allow you to quickly access data related to the same topic.
- You can also access these written documents more directly by choosing a topic under "Topics" in the left menu.
- Charts
- Click the Charts link on the left menu to access an expandable list of charts. This page will initially display with the "Economic Activity" list expanded to show sub-lists. For example, one such sub-list is "Employment and Salary". The "Employment and Salary" sub-list can be further expanded to reveal a list of charts available for that topic. The same applies to any shown topic on the Charts page. The lists and sub-lists can be opened and closed as you choose to check data in different topic areas.
- Tables
- Click the Tables link on the left menu to access a list of Tables. These are PDF files that contain multiple tables of the type described on the link. These PDF files will typically load in your browser using the Acrobat Reader plug-in. See further information regarding reading PDF files later in this User Guide under "Technical Issues".
- Op-Ed
- Click this link to access recently written Op-Ed pieces written by one of our economists.
- Maps
- Click this link to access maps.
- Sponsors
- Click on "Our Sponsors" to see a list of our sponsors. The "Sponsorship Benefits" link provides detailed information about sponsorship. The "Become a Sponsor" link provides further information and contact information for becoming a sponsor.
Technical Issues
Technical Issues
- Something Not Working?
- If something on this site is not working, first try reading the sections below regarding browser compatability and plugins.
- In addition, javascript must be enabled on the browser in order for many of the basic features to function. Check the Help section of your browser to find out how to make sure javascript is enabled.
- If you still continue to have problems, call us at (805) 893-5739 for assistance.
- Browser Compatability
- We have tested this site's functionality on many versions of the major browsers on both PC and MAC platforms.
We recommend using (or upgrading to) the latest release of any of the major browsers.
- Here are a few links for obtaining some of the latest browsers:
- Browser Plugins
- Browser plugins enable much of this site's functionality to work. The functionality primarily affected by browser plugins relates to
audio, video, animation, and viewing pdf files.
- Here are a few links for obtaining some of the latest browser plugins: