CSLM6035 – background: features of SLBS: tabbing

As the Student Loans Business Service (SLBS) is a Windows based system you can move between input fields and buttons using the Tab key. This means it is possible to effectively have a button as the last active entry field, in which there is not a flashing cursor on view.

The following example explains this situation. You use the Tab key to

• Move from an input field on the screen to the [OK] button
• Then press the Enter key on the keyboard

And

• There is an error in the entry field

When the error message is displayed

• You will read the message

And then

• Select the [OK] button in the message box

The message will disappear, but there will not be a flashing cursor in the field that caused the error message to be displayed. The cursor will instead cause the [OK] button, at the bottom of the screen, to be highlighted.

If you are familiar with the Windows system, the SLBS function, and the particular screen, this may not concern you. However, in this situation you may want some advice. To obtain this

• Rest the mouse pointer in an input field

And

• Select the [OK] button

The error message will be represented and the cursor will indicate the field that has caused the validation failure. You will then have access to the Error Help again, but will know which field entry is incorrect, and be in a position to correct the relevant entry.