A form is something into which the viewer can enter data. After the data are entered, the viewer clicks a button (usually marked "Submit" or something like that) and something happens to the data. There are 2 basic things that can happen. If the viewer has a mail function available (such as Eudora or Microsoft Outlook) it can be emailed to someone. Otherwise, a CGI script gets invoked. The CGI script can establish an ODBC link to transfer data to / from a database, perform calculations, or even email from within the host server (this covers you for those viewers who do not have POP3 email clients, for example, the 11 million people on AOL).

A radio button is a small white circle. When you click on it it turns black. Radio buttons allow only one choice from the set of possible answers; therefore, when you click on one button it clears any other checked button in that set. These are sample radio buttons:

A check box is a small white square. When you click on it you get a check mark in the box. You may click any, all, or none of the check boxes. You check all check boxes that apply. These are sample check boxes:

Short text answer have a text field. A text field is a longish white box. Type your answer in the box. You are limited in the amount of space you have for your answer.

Long text answers use a text box. A text box is a long white box with scroll buttons on it. Type your answer in the box. There is essentially no limit to the amount of space.

Click SUBMIT to submit your data. SUBMIT is final and irretrievable. This instance of the Submit will send this to me via email, so I would appreciate it if you would make your own copy of this and put your email address in it, or at least don't click it too often.

If everything is all bollixed up, RESET will erase anything you've entered in the form and let you start all over again.