Microsoft Visual SourceSafe

1
Microsoft Visual SourceSafe
(VSS) does not eliminate the need for discipline
and coordination. It only makes discipline and
coordination easier to live with. -- Loukides
Oram
2
A working folder is a private directory used by a
single user to store local working copies of
files. Each user must set up a working folder
before (s)he can use VSS.
3
When accessing a project for the first time, a
user should request the latest version of all
files in the project. This is done immediately
after selecting a working folder.
4
Make sure that the files that you want to add to
your project are in your working folder. Click
the Add Files button on the toolbar and select
file(s) to be added to your project.
5
Make sure to enter the file(s) description/purpose
for each file being added. This becomes part of
the documentation for your project. Uncheck the
box for Apply same comment for all if you want
to give each file a different description
(recommended).
6
When you wish to modify one of your project
files, you must check it out from the repository.
To do this, right click on the desired file and
select Check Out.
7
Enter a brief comment describing to your
teammates what you are intending to change in the
file. This is an important notice that your team
can use in determining what action to take when
they need the file while it is presently checked
out.
8
When finished modifying the checked out file, you
must check it back in so that your teammates can
be able to make additional modifications and
update version numbers.
9
Enter a comment describing, in detail, what
modifications you have made to the file. Be very
specific. This becomes an important part of your
project documentation. If making several
modifications, consider clicking the Keep
checked out box so that you can tailor comments
for each modification individually, as they are
made.
10
When everyone uses VSS properly, beneficial
information can be gleaned from the VSS user
interface.
11
Other useful features

• Undo a checkout
• Show revision history
• Show difference between a file in the repository
  and one in the working folder
• Pinning down a version of a file
• Labeling a version of a file