1. (a) Desktop.

   1. (1) Users should be aware that poor PC performance can have a detrimental effect on the integrity of computer data.
   2. (2) Users should report incidents of computer lockups, freezes, and other unusual behavior to the elected official or system administrator.
   3. (3) Computers that regularly exhibit these symptoms should be repaired or replaced in order to maintain data integrity.

2. (b) Network.

   1. (1) Improperly functioning servers, drives, switches, hubs, etc., can corrupt information and destroy county data.
   2. (2) Networks must be regularly observed for proper function and performance.
   3. (3) Networks exhibiting poor performance and/or significant downtime should be repaired or replaced in order to maintain data integrity.

3. (c) Internet.

   1. (1) Many systems make use of the internet for connectivity between satellite offices and/or access by contractors.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Poor internet performance can adversely affect data entry and jeopardize county records.
      2. (B) They also delay customer service operations and diminish taxpayer confidence.

   3. (3) Internet connections that are found to function poorly should be repaired or replaced in order to:

      1. (A) Maintain data integrity; and
      2. (B) Facilitate efficient customer service.

4. (d) Application.

   1. (1)

      1. (A) Application programs shall provide limits to user input in order to reduce operator entry errors.
      2. (B) These should prevent improper data types such as:

5. (i) Text in numeric fields;

   1. (ii) Incomplete filling of a date field; and

      1. (iii) Invalid entries for which a limited set of correct choices is defined.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Due to the requirement for flexibility in data entry, certain fields may not be suitable for validation.
      2. (B) The system administrator shall maintain a list of fields and reason for which they are exempt from data input validation.

   3. (3)

      1. (A) Except as noted herein, fields that are automatically populated in serial fashion, such as check numbers, receipt numbers, change numbers, etc., shall be validated as to avoid duplication or ambiguity between records.
      2. (B) In any case where a unique serialized value is required and has been overridden by the authority of the elected official, a permanent written record must be kept and provided upon request of auditors.

   4. (4)

      1. (A) Application providers shall supply instruction manuals containing sufficient information to allow users to effectively operate the program.
      2. (B) Manuals should be updated or subsidized by update bulletins to reflect program changes made from time to time.
   5. (5) Application providers shall offer training in all aspects of program operation and follow-up training for changes and updates in program function.
   6. (6) Application providers shall supply a user assistance help line to answer questions and address concerns which arise in the use of the programs by the county.

Codification Notes: “PC” means personal computer.