colleague's User Interface(ui) faqs

User Interface (UI) is the new interface for the Colleague database. It replaces NetTerm and Microphone, the older, terminal-style interfaces. UI uses intuitive navigation icons, including point-and-click access to forms (screens) and fields. Currently, UI is available only for PC/Windows computers. Macintosh users will use a browser version of the software, which will be available by July 2007. Please review these FAQs to find out more about the new user interface.

• Why are we using UI?
• Will access to screens change with the UI interface?
• When will staff begin using UI?
• What if I don't have UI installed on my PC?
• What if I use a Macintosh computer?
• Will UI change the way LOIS works?
• How can I print a screen display?
• Will users be able to run queries as they have in the past?
• What is Query Builder?
• Are there demonstrations of UI?

Why are we using UI?

New releases of Colleague software will not support terminal-style connections. UI also offers some distinct advantages as compared to older telnet applications:

• Both new and experienced Colleague users will find the Windows-style icons and point-and-click navigation easy to learn and use.
• When detailing from one form (screen) to another, you can review previous forms using the index tabs near the top of the window.
• Comments no longer need to be entered one line at a time. Most comments fields will wrap text for you. Further, you can cut comments from existing files and paste them into the UI.
• Users who complete data entry can tailor individual workflows with the “Favorites” capability and can define custom tab sequences and field requirements, specifying which specific fields to land and in which order.
• The UI report browser makes it easy to view, print, and save reports.

Will access to screens change with the UI interface?

No. The change to UI has no effect on access profiles. You will be able to access all of the mnemonics that you could access prior to this change.

When will staff begin using UI?

UI has been in use by Lesley staff since 2003. Staff who are not currently using UI must begin using UI before the next Colleague software release, which is scheduled for July 2007.

What if I don't have UI installed on my PC?

Contact University Technology by email at ut@lesley.edu or by phone at 617.349.8770 to have UI installed on your PC.

What if I use a Macintosh computer?

Macintosh users will access UI through the internet. Internet access will be available before July 2007.

Will UI change the way LOIS works?

No. LOIS will not change.

How can I print a screen display?

UI does not have a print screen button. To print a screen, use the 'Print Screen' key (located to the right of the F12 key on a standard keyboard) to copy your entire screen. Then "paste" into a Word document and print from Word. If your UI window is not maximized, you can use the 'Alt' + 'Print Screen' key combination to capture just the active window to paste into Word.

Will users be able to run queries as they have in the past?

Yes. Anyone who had access to write ad hoc queries will continue to have that access available using UI's terminal mode.

What is Query Builder?

Query Builder is a new point and click option for writing Uniquery statements. Staff who currently use Uniquery will be invited to learn more about Query Builder after the new release of Colleague software is installed in July 2007. While Query Builder will not be required, it does offer many helpful features such as the option to save queries and the option of exporting data directly to Excel.

Are there demonstrations of UI?

Please see our training page for information about the UI demonstrations.