This guide to the development of effective documentation for users of computer software begins by identifying five types of documentation, i.e., training manuals, user guides, tutorials, on-screen help comments, and troubleshooting manuals. Six steps in the development process are then outlined and briefly described: (1) planning and preparation;…

Presents methods for preparing technical documents on microcomputers by modifying WordStar and using inexpensive software to create scientific symbols and other characters needed. Procedures are described for use with a Zenith A-100 microcomputer and an Epson FX dot matrix printer, and may be adapted for other configurations. (LRW)

Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of prepackaged software programs and custom-developed software programs, along with the use of microcomputers. (MD)

Recommends teaching about the uses of humor in technical writing classes by using computer user manuals. Suggests that humor has a place in technical communication, particularly in computer manuals, where new users' apprehension must be reduced, heavy technical points need clarification, and warnings and cautions should be reinforced. (SKC)

This document describes the processes involved in writing an effective user manual intended to give the reader a working knowledge of a computer program named FUND-RAISER. Written in UCSD PASCAL, FUND-RAISER was developed by the Winter Park Library Association to ease the record keeping and letter writing tasks involved in the association's annual…

A computerized method for managing institutional information to use in creating college planning documents is described. Development of the database, manipulation of the data for reporting, uses in strategic and long-range planning, and the model's implications for improvement of planning processes are discussed. (MSE)

Addressing the difficulty encountered by many vocational students in narrowing, focusing, developing, and structuring their ideas for technical writing projects, a computer program was designed to provide these students with a simple, time-saving method of brainstorming and organizing their thoughts. By asking thought-generating questions…

Provides a thorough review of the software package "MathType, Mathematical Equation Editor." Includes hardware specifications, a description of the program, and evaluative comments. (PK)

Focusing on process description, provides a step-by-step class presentation of an assignment given to a technical writing class that uses a computer program to teach instructions. Discusses the assignment's benefits to class discussion, the editing session, and the writing produced. (JD)

This document consists of the four 1989 issues of the quarterly journal "Notes on Linguistics." These issues include the following significant articles: "The Production of a Linguistic Bibliography" (Pete Unseth); "How to Write a Grammatical Sketch (Without Putting Your Readers to Sleep)" (Thomas E. Payne); "The…