Microsoft Manual Of Style For Technical Publications (Second Edition) [Paperback]

Microsoft Press (Author), Microsoft Corporation (Author), MS Corp (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1572318902 | ISBN-13: 978-1572318908 | Publication Date: January 1, 1998 | Edition: 2nd

Everyone who writes about computing needs this book, from technical writers to journalists to marketers. This authoritative reference is now fully updated and extended to cover the latest advances in computing, including important Microsoft technologies, publishing on the Web, Internet topics and terms, and more. And of course, it offers all the hard-to-find facts and easy-to-use features that have established it as the standard in its field.

Organized alphabetically for easy lookup, this book is a gold mine of information, including:

- Correct and consistent usage of terminology, with an emphasis on technical computer terms, punctuation, grammar, design and interface elements, and more

- Clear practical advice on good writing practices -- everything from using verbs effectively to maintaining the right voice for a chosen audience

- Words commonly misspelled in technical documents

- Terms to avoid

- How to recognize jargon

- How and when to use abbreviations and acronyms

All this makes the "Microsoft Manual Of Style For Technical Publications, Second Edition", required reading for writers, editors, and anyone else who needs to put it correctly, clearly, and cogently.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

With so many software products to its credit, Microsoft can't help but have an opinion on computer terms and usage. Many topnotch technical companies, writers, and editors consider the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications to be a standard in the industry. Technical writers and editors often refer to it when they can't find an answer in The Chicago Manual of Style or when researching appropriate style issues to include in their company's in-house style manual.

While this manual of style can't possibly list everything that is created by Microsoft, it does advise how to use and spell both general and computer-related terms and takes a stand on sticky style, technical writing, and design and interface issues. This second edition has been updated to include significant changes in Internet terminology and usage. Alphabetically tabbed pages make it easy to locate topics of interest. A useful appendix defines acronyms and abbreviations and shares any special style rules associated with them. Another appendix lists keyboard characters and the correct names that should be used to describe each one. The enclosed CD-ROM contains an electronic version of the book along with a copy of the Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary. --Cristina Vaamonde

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Microsoft Press; 2nd edition (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572318902
• ISBN-13: 978-1572318908
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,170,376 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Useful and Resourceful, July 12, 2001

By 

Janell - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Manual Of Style For Technical Publications (Second Edition) (Paperback)

I am a new-comer in the area of technical documentation. I recently joined a software company as a Technical Writer and am suddenly confronted with IT terminology usage, expressions and style issues. I sought refuge in this book (a concise glossary) and in its authority. I find helpful hints in these areas. But if your issue is HOW TO do DOCUMENTATION instead of style and terminology, you should go for 'Developing Quality Technical Information : A Handbook for Writers and Editors' by Gretchen Hargis (Editor), Ann Hernandez, Polly Hughes, Jim Ramaker.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Making Something Great Even Better . . ., September 4, 1998

By 

Mike Donoghue ([e-mail]) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Manual Of Style For Technical Publications (Second Edition) (Paperback)

Already a popular tome with software documentation professionals, this new edition has much to offer both to the new reader and those who have read the previous version cover to cover.

Modestly informing its readers that only 17 heavily revised or new terms have been included in this publication, the new Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications has nonetheless expanded its overall topic list by a total of 144 entries. This has increased the size of the book from the previous edition by 44 pages. Many outdated and unused terms have been taken out of the manual, only to be updated to include significant changes in Internet and browser terminology and usage.

From a presentation standpoint, there are minor changes to the headings and body text. Of particular note however is the new alphabetical tabbing appearing on the outer edge of the document to help locate the topics. The index is structured to contain more subentry references as well. Gone however is Appendix C, the Words with Numbers section.

As with the earlier edition of the manual, this copy contains a standard Windows Help system version of the book. To demonstrate support of its new HTML-based Help standard however, Microsoft has also enclosed the same information on an HTML Help system (what it refers to in the manual as an "electronic book"). For additional incentive, there is also an HTML Help version of the third edition of the Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary - another helpful resource. Be aware though that to view these HTML materials you need to use Internet Explorer 4.0 or later (also included on the companion CD).

As more software development companies are designing applications that use browser technology or can be accessed via the Internet and World Wide Web, the new topic information this book contains is timely. Other new and enhanced terminology is also extremely beneficial.

- Mike Donoghue, AMS Services ([e-mail])

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to look real good--even if it is Microsoft, November 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Microsoft Manual Of Style For Technical Publications (Second Edition) (Paperback)

This is an outstanding publication for anyone who uses Microsoft products, particularly Word.

The genius is in its simplicity. Organized alphabetically, with tabbed pages, the index is almost unnecessary. The two Appendii, "List of Acronyms and Abbreviations" and "Special Characters" are helpful, but probably won't get much use here. A CD-ROM comes with the book, but it's faster to pick up the book and go straight to the information you need. (I love books.)

The information is comprehensive, easy to find, easy to read and understand. Several screen shots "show, don't tell". Bonus: there's plenty to disagree with.

Even though it is thoroughly Microsoftesque, it probably will become the standard which serious computer users rely upon. Professionals and novices can use this book on a daily basis. There's a great education in this book. I wish I had written it.

It not only covers the basics (grammar, punctuation and the like), but standardizes many terms and functions relating to computers, the Web, Help systems--even ordinary documents. Macintosh computer users will find great information here, too.

If you want your work to look good, this book should be on your desk.