documentation, user

As computing moved into the mainstream of offices and schools beginning in the 1980s and accelerating through the 1990s, the need to train millions of new computer users spawned the technical publishing industry. In addition to the manual that accompanied the software, third-party publishers produced full-length books for beginners and advanced users as well as “dictionaries” and reference manu-als (see also technical writing). A popular program such as WordPerfect or (today) Adobe Photoshop can easily fill several shelves in the computer section of a large bookstore.

A number of publishers targeted particular audiences and adopted distinctive styles. Perhaps the best known is the IDG “Dummies” series, which eventually diversified its offerings from computer-related titles to everything from home remodeling to investing. Berkeley, California, pub-lisher Peachpit Press created particularly accessible intro-ductions for Windows and Macintosh users. At the other end of the spectrum, publishers Sams, Osborne, Waite Group, and Coriolis targeted the developer and “power user” community and the eclectic, erudite volumes from O’Reilly grace the bookshelves of many UNIX users.

Online Documentation

During the 1980s, the lack of a multitasking, window-based operating system limited the ability of programs to offer built-in (or “online”) documentation. Traditionally, users could press the F1 key to see a screen listing key commands and other rudimentary help. However, both the Macin-tosh and Windows-based systems of the 1990s included the ability to incorporate a standardized, hypertext-based help system in any program. Users could now search for help on various topics and scroll through it while keeping their main document in view. Another facility, the “wiz-ard,” offered the ability to guide users step by step through a procedure.

The growth of the use of the Web has provided a new ave-nue for online help. Today many programs link users to their Web site for additional help. Even help files stored on the user’s own hard drive are increasingly formatted in HTML for display through a Web browser. Additional sources of help for some programs include training videos and animated presentations using programs such as PowerPoint.

By the late 1990s, printed user manuals were becoming a less common component in software packages. (Instead, the manual was often provided as a file in the Adobe Acrobat format, which reproduces the exact appearance of printed material on the screen.) The computer trade book industry has also declined somewhat, but the bookstore still offers plenty of alternatives for users who are more comfortable with printed documentation.