Irrespective of the nature of business, computers have become indispensable for practically any company the world over. Like all sophisticated devices, computers need to come with a manual to help the user understand the functions and how it works. In some cases it may be the programmer who performs the role of writing software documentation but it is mostly a technical writer who does it.
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 job of technical writers is to simplify the complex technical words and phrases of programmers so that non-technical users will not be overwhelmed. Novices should be able to understand exactly how an application is to be started and used, for them to comfortably work with the menus. Programmers have the habit of lapsing into puzzling technical language which leaves users in the dark.
There are several programs that simple enough to not require explanation and little or no documentation. For instance in the gaming sector, users are taught by the game itself which uses tips to explain the more complicated functions in the higher levels. On the other hand working of power stations cannot be explained in the same manner.
Ideally a technical writer needs to understand a software from the viewpoint of a user who needs to make the most of it and explains the instructions in easy language. There are certain formatting and content standards to be followed, which goes from startup to trouble shooting. The writer will then follow the style and tone desired by the company to ensure that the manual adheres to their image.
Prior to writing, writers must know who they are writing the manual for. Technical language will be lost on non-technical people who require simple writing. But for IT professionals, technical terms are preferred to incorporate into their support requirements.
The entire documentation should be concise, laid out and have a logical flow. The length and size depends mostly on how complex the application is. Certain types can be very long whereas some could be just a few 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.
An effective way of writing software documentation would be for the writer to rope in the user along with the programmer. This gives the opportunity to the user to identify ambiguous portions and the programmer checks for technical inaccuracies. The purpose of a software manual is to provide the information in its entirety in a manner that is easily understood.
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 job of technical writers is to simplify the complex technical words and phrases of programmers so that non-technical users will not be overwhelmed. Novices should be able to understand exactly how an application is to be started and used, for them to comfortably work with the menus. Programmers have the habit of lapsing into puzzling technical language which leaves users in the dark.
There are several programs that simple enough to not require explanation and little or no documentation. For instance in the gaming sector, users are taught by the game itself which uses tips to explain the more complicated functions in the higher levels. On the other hand working of power stations cannot be explained in the same manner.
Ideally a technical writer needs to understand a software from the viewpoint of a user who needs to make the most of it and explains the instructions in easy language. There are certain formatting and content standards to be followed, which goes from startup to trouble shooting. The writer will then follow the style and tone desired by the company to ensure that the manual adheres to their image.
Prior to writing, writers must know who they are writing the manual for. Technical language will be lost on non-technical people who require simple writing. But for IT professionals, technical terms are preferred to incorporate into their support requirements.
The entire documentation should be concise, laid out and have a logical flow. The length and size depends mostly on how complex the application is. Certain types can be very long whereas some could be just a few 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.
An effective way of writing software documentation would be for the writer to rope in the user along with the programmer. This gives the opportunity to the user to identify ambiguous portions and the programmer checks for technical inaccuracies. The purpose of a software manual is to provide the information in its entirety in a manner that is easily understood.
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