I now have the address collection page built with the data collection form in it. Next I need to configure the form and each field so that I can collect the data entered by my Web site visitors.

First, let's configure each field. As usual, we get access to the field parameters by right clicking the field and choosing "Form Field Properties..." from the dialog box that pops up.

Rename the field something you can remember. Do not be clever here, just use the simple description you have already created, but with no spaces. I also suggest you do not use mixed case. It is just too difficult to remember which letters you did and did not capitalize later on when you are trying to work with your data.

In the image below,  you can see that I cleverly named my first form field, "emailaddress", something even I can remember. Just make sure you have no spaces in the field names.

Now, since I want to require this datum, I click the "Validate..." button and select the "Required" option in the new dialog box that appears. I type into the box labeled, "Display Name:", the description I want displayed when my visitor screws up and does not enter an email address. I "OK" out and repeat the process for each data field in my form.

You can tinker with the validation settings if you like to try and improve the quality of data you collect, but I suggest you begin by using the simplest settings as I have described. Later, if and when you determine that you need better control, you can always increase the constraints.