A large portion of the Office Assistant Software is designed around the idea that a user will be providing data for the system to process. The most common way to accept user input over the internet is through the use of a "Web Form". A Web Form is a set of controls that neatly organize data or allow the user to input text for further processing. This topic will provide you with a basic understanding of how each of these controls work and how to use them effectively. All the controls contained within this topic are fully usable and should be experimented with.
A Text Box allows the user to input any kind of text or numeric data into a form. Unless otherwise stated, the use of punctuation should be avoided within a Text Box.
A variation on the Text Box and functions in the exact same way but provides security from curious onlookers.
Type Text Here. Or Here.
A Text Area functions exactly the same as Text Box, but a Text Area will allow you to scroll your input with the arrows on the right and bottom of the Area. Text Areas are mainly used when a large amount of data will be entered. Unlike a Text Box however, the use of punctuation (including line breaks) in a Text Area can and should be used.
Item 1: Item 2: Item 3: Item 4:
Check boxes allow the user to select either one, or multiple items, in a common set of data quickly.
Option 1 Option 2 Option 3
Radio Buttons function in the same way as a check boxes except that ONLY ONE option may be selected within a common set of data.
Please Select and Option Option 1 Option 2 Option 3 Option 4
A Drop Down List contains multiple options within a small Drop Down Menu. Click on the arrow to the right of the text to "Drop Down" the menu and list all the options, then click on the option you wish to select. Like radio buttons, ONLY ONE option may be selected within a Drop Down List.
Item 1 Item 2 Item 3 Item 4 Item 5
A Multiple Selection Box provides a list of options while allowing you to select multiple options within the box. To select multiple options hold down the CTRL key on your keyboard and click on each option you wish to select. Alternatively, you can select a group of options together by clicking on the first option, then while holding down the SHIFT key, select the last option.
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