1.1 Introduction

The Integrated Content Environment (ICE) provides content authoring using word-processors (OpenOffice.org Writer or Microsoft Word) with templates and styles. A stylesheet (CSS – Cascading Style Sheet) is used for the display of content when it is rendered to HTML. The web-based application ties together the systems and resources needed to author and manage content. Authors can work individually or collaboratively on material for Web, CD and print.

OpenOffice.org (OOo) is used to perform part of the document rendering process, so it is installed even if the word-processor Writer is not used. OOo is an open source suite which includes applications for presentations (Impress), spreadsheets (Calc), drawings (Draw), formula editor (Math) and word-processing (Writer). Open source means that the software and its program code are available to the public at no cost.

For further ICE details, visit the ICE website <http://ice.usq.edu.au>.

1.2 System requirements

To run ICE efficiently, we recommend that the computer be no older than 4 years with 2.00 GB of RAM.

1.3 Repository storage

ICE uses a document repository which is a centralized location for the management of files. A single source document can be accessed by users with access privileges. Files are under version control with a revision history.

1.4 Structured and styled content

A structured document contains logical elements ordered consistently. For example, a simple structure could be: introduction, topics, conclusion, list of references. Structured documents and the use of styles assist the reader and also the author when reusing content.

Benefits of structured and styled documents include:

• increased usability of the authoring environment as the structure provides guidance

• ability to automate exports to multiple output formats

• easy re-use of content sections

• consistent format

• more efficient authoring as formatting is not setup for each individual document by each individual author

• content can be machine readable as well as human readable.

1.5 Directory structure and access

Package setup with a logical, consistent directory and content structure enables authors to locate and maintain content more efficiently. Access for users needs to be activated with the repository.

Naming conventions

To ensure compatibility across platforms and systems, we recommend the following file and folder name conventions.

• Use alpha, numeric and underscores (do not use dashes, spaces or other characters e.g. & (ampisand)).

• Use lowercase for letters.

• A maximum of 31 characters for the filename (including the extension).
  

If filenames are too long or inappropriate characters are included, some systems will not read the files. For example, filenames are automatically shortened when a CD to be used on all platforms is burnt which in turn can break hyperlinks.

1.6 Conventions used in this guide

As with many software programs, there is usually more than one way to access a function. For example, you may like to use the menus or keyboard shortcuts. This guide will not explain all possibilities when discussing a function. As you become more familiar with OOo Writer and Microsoft Word, you will find the best way that suits you.

The instructions have been mainly written for users of a PC with right-hand mouse option and some variations for the Mac. The following conventions are used in this guide.

• OpenOffice.org may be abbreviated to OOo.
  For example: Become familiar with the OOo suite.

• OpenOffice.org Writer may be abbreviated to Writer.
  For example: We recommend using Writer for word-processing.

• Microsoft Word may be abbreviated to Word.
  For example: You may use Word for word-processing.

• Actions requiring the use of menus, include ‘ > ’ to separate steps.
  For example: From the Menu, select Insert > Picture > From File.

  The ‘ > ’ means that one action follows another. The example above translates as:
  From the Menu, select Insert then select the Picture option then select the From File option.

• When giving word-processing step-by-step instructions, it will usually be assumed that you have a word-processor open. Therefore, the first step may not be to instruct you to open Writer or Word.

• Keyboard shortcuts are placed inside angle brackets and bold.
  For example: Press <F1> to access Help.

  <Alt> + <S>, <P>, <P> (Press and hold down the <Alt> key, then press and release the <S> key, then <P> key, then <P> key.)

  <F>, <A>, <F3> (Press the keys one at a time – do not hold down).

• URLs may be placed inside angle brackets.
  For example: Visit the USQ website <http://www.usq.edu.au>.

1.7 Information sources

This guide has been prepared as a quick reference. Some other sources for accessing information about Writer, Word and ICE are listed below.

1. The Help supplied with Writer and Word. From the Menu, select Help or press <F1> on the keyboard. Find information about a specific area by searching or using the contents and index.

2. The OpenOffice.org website <http://www.openoffice.org>.

3. The Microsoft website <http://www.microsoft.com/>.

4. Integrated Content Environment (ICE) System <http://ice.usq.edu.au/>.