How do I load fOCUS II onto a PC?
You only need to go through the installation process once on any one computer. On subsequent occasions, look on the Start menu, under "Programs" or you can add a shortcut to fOCUS II to your desktop.
How do I load fOCUS II onto a MAC?
You only need to go through the installation process once on any one computer. On subsequent occasions, look under "applications" in Finder, or you can add a shortcut to fOCUS II to your desktop.
How do I begin using fOCUS II?
Having been installed onto your computer, when fOCUS II opens, you will be asked to enter a user name. This user name must be unique to you, as it allows you to access at a later date any files you save. It is therefore very important that you don’t use your first name if you’re using a computer which will be used by other people. One possibility is to use your network login name.
You will also be asked to select a ‘save’ path. This can be ignored unless you need to select a different location from the default (your computer hard drive).
The opening screen also contains information about the people who created fOCUS II and about the FDTL project that developed the Coding and Reliability and Validity Units, under the tabs labelled "this version" and "about fOCUS II". Click the tabs to access the information and return to the opening screen by clicking "Close".
Once the software is installed on a particular machine, you do not have to install it again, but you will need to insert the CD-Rom into the disk drive. Each time you use fOCUS II, you will see the opening screen, and can proceed as before, using your unique username.
Why are the wrong files are appearing when I use fOCUS?
If you have a previously installed version of fOCUS on your computer, it will sometimes pick up the wrong files. To eradicate this problem, you need to do a full custom uninstall of fOCUS, and then re-install the new version afresh. The instructions for uninstalling fOCUS are below.
How do I uninstall fOCUS?
To uninstall from Microsoft Windows:
How do I produce my own text files?
The text files on fOCUS are html files which can be produced by writing your own html code or using software such as ‘Dreamweaver’ or ‘HoT Metal Pro’.
We recommend that you do not use Microsoft Word documents saved as html files.
How do I overcome sound problems?
The sound quality of the video clips in fOCUS is generally good. Any problems encountered are not due to the actual sound tracks or fOCUS, but are probably due to either the sound replay hardware in the computer or to the various settings for the hardware or the QuickTime software.
Regarding the hardware and the settings, these vary so much that it is difficult to give specific advice. However, it is definitely worth checking that the Audio Playback Volume in the Multimedia control panel is set to maximum.
You may also be able to access these settings if there is a small loudspeaker icon on the task bar at the bottom of your monitor screen. Left clicking on this will allow you to adjust the volume level and right clicking on it will give you access to the other properties controls if you select Adjust Audio Properties.
You may need to try changing some of the Sound Out options in the QuickTime Settings.
If this fails, try selecting various other QuickTime Sound Out options until you find one that works.
What do I do if I have problems in viewing video clips?
If you are having problems viewing the video clips in the fOCUS application, the following advice may help solve them.
Some machines have graphics cards that have trouble displaying the video, in which case you may see one of the following symptoms:
If you suffer from any of these problems, ensure you have installed QuickTime; there is an installer on this CD. If you have already done this, or installing it doesn't fix the problem, try the following:
* If 'Safe Mode (GDI Only)' is already selected, try clicking on 'Options', and altering the settings within the options area. You may need to try several different settings before you find one that works for your machine. Each time you alter a setting, close the QuickTime Settings window and run fOCUS again.
How do I install QuickTime onto my computer?
fOCUS needs QuickTime 6 software installed to play the video files. During the installation process, a box will appear, asking if you wish to install QuickTime 6. If you are sure that QuickTime 6 is already installed on your computer, then answer ‘No’. but if you wish to install QuickTime 6, click on ‘Yes’.
Where can I get copies of the materials?
Please send us an e-mail: observation-skills-project@open.ac.uk
Do I have to sign a copy of the licensing agreement?
All universities or other organisations who have staff or students using fOCUS in teaching or research are required to sign a licensing agreement.
What is the cost of using materials produced by the Observation Skills in Psychology project?
The materials are free to all HEFCE funded Higher Education Institutions.
