Getting Started

Information by State  Print version   What's New Version 4: Web 390 Plug-In is Available for IDIS V4 is available for grantees using IDIS with Windows XP or Windows 2000 and Internet Explorer 6.0. more... | Browser and Plug-in Information Security Issues   Keeping Your IDIS Account Active   ID and Password Assistance   Separation of Duties Related Information   The EDI Alternative Grantees who transmit large amounts of data to IDIS may be able to benefit from Electronic Data Interchange more...   Web390 Hints Tips for using the plug-in and the Web390 Quick Reference Card more...   Training Learn how to create a project, set up and fund an activity, and draw down funds more...   IDIS Reference Manual Browse the contents of each chapter to find the section you need more... Want More Information?   IDIS Access Request Form PDF | Word   Your Internet Connection to IDIS Helpful schematic drawings Via LAN | Direct   Technical Assistance Unit

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Step 1: Check System Requirements   Step 2: Request Access   Step 3: Install Software   Step 4: Check Management Parameters   Step 5: Start Using IDIS

IDIS is a real-time, mainframe-based computer application. Because using IDIS involves both the mainframe computer system and a Web browser, obtaining the right tools and information is essential for a good start.

The following steps provide a set of tools that will help users begin to use IDIS quickly and efficiently.

The IDIS Reference Manual provides a more detailed explanation of IDIS Set-Up and Operation in Chapter 3.

Step 1: Check System Requirements

• Confirm that you'll be using a personal computer or workstation running the Microsoft Windows operating system—version 95 or higher.
• Confirm that you have access to the Internet through your office network or an Internet Service Provider (ISP).
• If your Internet connection passes through a firewall or proxy server, talk to your LAN Adminstrator or IT Department about configuring ports for IDIS.

Step 2: Request Access

• Submit an IDIS Access Request Form for each person expected to access the system.
• Contact the IDIS help desk
  (877) 483-8282 to have your ID pointed toward the IDIS practice area first. This will allow you to practice and become more familiar with the system before beginning work with your actual data.
• If you need password help, call
  (202) 708-3300, Option 3, or contact the IDIS help desk.

Step 3: Install Software

• Confirm that you have a compatible Web browser, properly configured.
• Download and install the appropriate Web390 plug-in for viewing IDIS screens in a Web browser — either Version 3 (version NP3270) or Version 4 (version ie3270xp), depending upon your operating system and browser brand/version.
• Refer to the Plug-in Guide for step-by-step instructions.
• Download and install the Report Batch File for downloading reports from IDIS.
• Refer to the Report Batch Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Step 4: Check Management Parameters

• Check to see if HUD has loaded your Action Plan projects into IDIS.
• Determine IDIS roles and responsibilities for each person expected to work in the system.
• Determine how projects and activities will be structured in the system to ensure that you can understand and effectively use reports.
• Determine an identifier for the Grantee Activity Number field on screen C04MA01, so that you can cross reference your internal record keeping system with IDIS.

Step 5: Start Using IDIS

• Access IDIS from the IDIS Login page using HUD's two-step process. First, enter the Web390 "User Name" that you were assigned, along with your password. The “wi” in the User Name and the letters in your password must all be lowercase. (Note that this is the only part of IDIS that makes a distinction between upper- and lowercase.) In the IDIS Sign-on screen, enter your IDIS User ID and password.
• Consult the IDIS Reference Manual for more information on IDIS.
• Visit IDIS Training to learn more about using the IDIS system.