By Katrina Wheeler
In this age of computers, no company in any part of the planet, whatever its business, can afford to do without them. Being complex in nature, it is a must for computers to provide a user guide to educate users on how to start and use them. Sometimes writing software documentation is done by the programmers but more often it is the responsibility of technical writers.
Literature of this nature is generically referred to as technical writing. A good understanding of technology and software are necessary for technical writers to grasp the logic involved. Even if they are not able to get a crystal clear knowledge of the more technical aspects, they are able to write technical text that does not compromise on accuracy.
Literature of this nature is generically referred to as technical writing. A good understanding of technology and software are necessary for technical writers to grasp the logic involved. Even if they are not able to get a crystal clear knowledge of the more technical aspects, they are able to write technical text that does not compromise on accuracy.
The primary responsibility of technical writers is to rewrite complex technical descriptions used by designers and programmers into plain and simple language that an ordinary person will easily understand. They need to make a novice understand how to start and use an application so that they are able to use interfaces and menus easily. There is a tendency for programmers to use technical terms which users will be confused by.
Documentation is not always necessary as there are everyday programs that are user friendly. In the world of gaming, the games themselves help a user know what needs to be done and they use tricks and tips in the more advanced levels to explain the necessary functions. The same strategy cannot be adopted to explain how power stations function.
A technical writer needs to put himself in the place of the end user to understand and explain a software and how to work with it. Writers have to keep formatting and standards of content in mind when explaining how to start and deal with problems. The concerned company will also prescribe a style for the writing tone of the manual to reflect its image.
It is important for the writer to be aware of who the user will be before writing the documentation. If it is a non-technical user, care has to be taken to avoid technical terms. On the other hand being too simple will prove useless to IT professionals who may require it for support needs.
The whole text of the documentation should have a logical flow and be concise and laid out. The length will vary depending on the level of sophistication of the application or software. Some may be extremely lengthy while some may not exceed a number of pages.
There are a few basic facts that must come across to users regardless of the manual length and format. A user needs to know the process of starting the application, its usage and handle possible problems. Incorporating screenshots and menu diagrams in printed manuals and online documents will make t
Documentation is not always necessary as there are everyday programs that are user friendly. In the world of gaming, the games themselves help a user know what needs to be done and they use tricks and tips in the more advanced levels to explain the necessary functions. The same strategy cannot be adopted to explain how power stations function.
A technical writer needs to put himself in the place of the end user to understand and explain a software and how to work with it. Writers have to keep formatting and standards of content in mind when explaining how to start and deal with problems. The concerned company will also prescribe a style for the writing tone of the manual to reflect its image.
It is important for the writer to be aware of who the user will be before writing the documentation. If it is a non-technical user, care has to be taken to avoid technical terms. On the other hand being too simple will prove useless to IT professionals who may require it for support needs.
The whole text of the documentation should have a logical flow and be concise and laid out. The length will vary depending on the level of sophistication of the application or software. Some may be extremely lengthy while some may not exceed a number of pages.
There are a few basic facts that must come across to users regardless of the manual length and format. A user needs to know the process of starting the application, its usage and handle possible problems. Incorporating screenshots and menu diagrams in printed manuals and online documents will make t
It is important for the writer to be aware of who the user will be before writing the documentation. If it is a non-technical user, care has to be taken to avoid technical terms. On the other hand being too simple will prove useless to IT professionals who may require it for support needs.
The whole text of the documentation should have a logical flow and be concise and laid out. The length will vary depending on the level of sophistication of the application or software. Some may be extremely lengthy while some may not exceed a number of pages.
There are a few basic facts that must come across to users regardless of the manual length and format. A user needs to know the process of starting the application, its usage and handle possible problems. Incorporating screenshots and menu diagrams in printed manuals and online documents will make things clearer to the user.
A good method of writing software documentation is to bring the end user together with the programmer and writer. The user can point out areas of confusion while the programmer can check for technical accuracy. A software manual must provide the entire information in a style that leaves no room for confusion.
About the Author:
The whole text of the documentation should have a logical flow and be concise and laid out. The length will vary depending on the level of sophistication of the application or software. Some may be extremely lengthy while some may not exceed a number of pages.
There are a few basic facts that must come across to users regardless of the manual length and format. A user needs to know the process of starting the application, its usage and handle possible problems. Incorporating screenshots and menu diagrams in printed manuals and online documents will make things clearer to the user.
A good method of writing software documentation is to bring the end user together with the programmer and writer. The user can point out areas of confusion while the programmer can check for technical accuracy. A software manual must provide the entire information in a style that leaves no room for confusion.
About the Author:
When you need information about writing software documentation, visit the web pages here at www.writers2hire.com today. You can see details by clicking on the links at http://www.writers2hire.com now.