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Subject:Feasibility of WinWord for a large pjt From:GERALDINE WHITT <GenWhitt -at- PRODIGY -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 7 May 1996 19:09:08 -0500
I have a large project (700-page manual) which was created in Ventura
Publisher. It has approx. 35 chapters and includes around 350 PCX
files.
The on-line help for the same project is done in Word. For the
Windows version help text, we are using RoboHelp.
I am about to do the Windows version written documentation. My
client would like me to convert the project from Ventura to Word so
that the same source can be used for written documentation and on-
line help.
My primary concern is whether it is really feasible to use Word for
such a large documentation project. I have spent quite some time on
the phone with Microsoft support but I'm not really satisfied with
the results. I would really like to hear of practical experiences
from other tech writers on this.
Microsoft told me that I would have to bring all files together in
order to have page numbering throughout and a publication table of
contents and index. Their maximum Word file size is 32 MB so, since
10 PCX files added to a document add approximately 1MB (by
experimentation) I conclude that with 350 PCX files, this would not
be possible. I also know, though, that there's a workaround to most
problems.
I would really appreciate a) any specific experience/data, positive
or negative, on creating or maintaining large manuals which include
lots of graphics, in Word
b) any other suggestions/data on alternative solutions, given that
the problem we are trying to solve is one source for doc and help,
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