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.
The kind of writing that is involved is generically known as technical writing. A technical writer who does the job has a good knowledge of software and a proper understanding of the logic behind the software. It could also be a person who may not grasp the complexities of the technology but succeeds in producing accurate and proper technical text.
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.
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.
Irrespective of the length and format of the manual, users require some basic facts. They need to know how to start the application, understand its use and solve problems that may occur. It will be helpful to use menu diagrams and screen shots in both the printed and online versions of the documents.
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.
The kind of writing that is involved is generically known as technical writing. A technical writer who does the job has a good knowledge of software and a proper understanding of the logic behind the software. It could also be a person who may not grasp the complexities of the technology but succeeds in producing accurate and proper technical text.
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.
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.
Irrespective of the length and format of the manual, users require some basic facts. They need to know how to start the application, understand its use and solve problems that may occur. It will be helpful to use menu diagrams and screen shots in both the printed and online versions of the documents.
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.
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