Writing Better Computer User Documentation

Inadequate software documentation for users is a widely acknowledged problem in the computer industry. Designed to help data processing professionals and technical writers write clear, accurate computer user documentation, this book presents a systematic approach to writing manuals, online documents, hypertext, system messages, menus and online tutorials - in short, all the methods of communicating software to users. This highly systematic approach guides readers through the entire writing process, from inception of the documentation project to updating after publication. It includes coverage of new techniques such as team writing, document prototyping, writing "minimal" manuals, Hypertext, and mass storage information. Helpful tips on layout, format, design, typography and colour are provided to create effective documents through desktop publishing and documentation databases.