Applying Performance Technology Principles to Documentation  

Technical writers often produce documentation for products or systems without first determining the best document media or even the necessity for documentation. In some instances, alternatives to documentation may best serve the product or system users. This paper describes the field of Performance Technology and illustrates how to apply principles of Performance Technology to decide when to create documentation.

Hayes, Gabby. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Documentation>Technology

Complex Technology Calls for Intelligible Documentation  

By means of the tekom guidelines (check list) the technical author can particularly check the documentation of a product. However it is not the product which can be checked by means of this check list, but only the product’s documentation.

Noack, Claus. STC Proceedings (1996). Articles>Documentation>Technology

I RTFM, But It's Still Greek to Me

You've heard it from your geeky friends: RTFM, politely translated as 'Read the Freaking Manual.' But what if the manual is unreadable? It's difficult enough to upgrade a motherboard or install new hardware, but it can become a disaster when the only help you've got is a poorly translated, barely legible photocopied manual loaded with vague definitions and unhelpful diagrams. And all too often, that's the way it is.

Krasne, Alexandra. PC World (2001). Articles>Documentation>Technology

International Considerations in Creating Computer Documentation  

In creating computer software manuals, international users have become an important factor in design decisions. This paper discusses several issues and strategies useful in creating documentation with an international audience in mind.

Smart, Karl L. and Robert Bringhurst. STC Proceedings (1993). Articles>Documentation>Technology>International

Just Kick It: Six Things You Can Do to Make Your Computer Run Faster

Are you frustrated by a computer that slows your productivity? Do you ever get the urge to kick it or throw it out the window? Before you hurt your toe or strain your back, there are a few simple things you can try to tune-up your computer and make it run faster.

Schurtz, Renee. Usability Interface (2005). Articles>Documentation>Technology

"Read the Manual!" What Manual?

How can I read the documentation when there is no documentation?

Manes, Stephen. InfoWorld (2001). Articles>Documentation>Technology

"Read the Manual!" What Manual?

Customer service shouldn't begin when you have a problem. It should start when a product is built, so that you don't have to futz around on the Web or wait on hold to get answers. One form of that service is good product design. Another is a great manual.

Manes, Stephen. PC World (2001). Articles>Documentation>Technology

A Curmudgeon's Guide to Computer Documentation

Is documentation a bad word? It is if you’re the Curmudgeon, a character I invented, who some say bears an amazing resemblance to … me.

West, Mike. MBWest.com. Articles>Documentation>Technology>Technical Writing

Writing Technically: Bad Docs Rarely Mean Bad Sales

Technical writing is a cost activity, not a revenue or a profit activity.

Basu, Anindita. Writing Technically (2009). Articles>Documentation>Technical Writing>Technology