Re: The Tools Tech Writers Use

[Hilda Alvarez-Strang <HAlvarez -at- IX -dot- NETCOM -dot- COM>]

Andriene elizabeth Ferguson-addei wrote:
>
> I am conducting some research on the tools technical writers use in
> preparing documentation (hard copy,online). I am interested in your
> opinions on how organizations decide what tools(i.e. Ms Word, Framemaker,
> Robohelp) should be used to prepare documentation and what role, if any do
> tech writers play in these corporate decisions.  Why, for instance, does
> MS Word seem to be a standard tool despite its limitations ? Is it because
> of its popularity (or that of Bill Gates) or its ease of use ?

Well, I use RoboHelp for on-line Help and Word '97 for documentation.  I
recently used Word '97 to convert a hardcopy document into HTML for
inlcuion in our Intranet.  The only limitation I encountered was the
manipulation of graphics, so i did it without graphics, since it is to
be used as backup to the hardcopy anyway.

As far as additional tools I cannot recommend Snag-It, by TechSmith,
enough!  it makes scree captures so easy and so manageable it
incredible!

In addition to that, a good computer terms dictionary.  To keep up with
subjects,  this mailing list has been very helpful as well as a plethora
of web sites.


>
> I am also intersted in knowing the popular tools amongst technical writers
> (i.e. if you had your choice, what would it be) and the techniques used to
> stay abreast of new technology.
>
> I look forward to hearing from you..................
>
> Andriene Ferguson
> aefergus -at- learn -dot- senecac -dot- on -dot- ca
>