Writing Software Documentation: A Task-Oriented Approach (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) [Paperback]

Thomas T. Barker (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Allyn and Bacon Series in Technical Communication | Publication Date: October 15, 1997

More and more technology-based organizations are moving towards having an in-house employee write their user documentation. This book provides readers with a step-by-step strategy to writing and describing technical procedures. Designed to support professionals working on a project, this book includes complete programs for readers to work on and a full set of project tracking forms as well as a broad range of examples, including Windows-style pages and screens and award-winning examples from Technical Communication competitions. This is an ideal reference and learning tool for professionals who are required to write user documentation. Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication, edited by Sam Dragga (Texas Tech University).

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

More and more technology-based organizations are moving towards having an in-house employee write their user documentation. This book provides readers with a step-by-step strategy to writing and describing technical procedures. Designed to support professionals working on a project, this book includes complete programs for readers to work on and a full set of project tracking forms as well as a broad range of examples, including Windows-style pages and screens and award-winning examples from Technical Communication competitions. This is an ideal reference and learning tool for professionals who are required to write user documentation. Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication, edited by Sam Dragga (Texas Tech University).

Product Details

• Paperback: 484 pages
• Publisher: Longman; 1st edition (October 15, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205195768
• ISBN-13: 978-0205195763
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,297,122 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 65 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well-organized, clear, and to the point, February 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Writing Software Documentation: A Task-Oriented Approach (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) (Paperback)

This is *the* book a new technical writer should read. Barker really knows his stuff--and he presents it in truly usable form. I especially liked his 3-category approach: writing to teach (for eager learners), to guide (for reluctant users of the product), or to provide a reference (for experts who need only occasional support).

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars This book needs an editor, April 5, 2003

By 

"jandjweaver" (Tooele, Ut United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing Software Documentation: A Task-Oriented Approach (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) (Paperback)

I was required to read this book for a technical writing class. I was amazed that a book that boasts it can teach technical documentation could have so many glaring errors in grammar and spelling. (Maybe that's why so many people don't read manuals.)
While the book does well as a step-by-step approach, most of the information is in other books. I would not recommend this book.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great in-depth book for the new Tech Writer, April 21, 2001

By 

wolfsapple (Raleigh, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Writing Software Documentation: A Task-Oriented Approach (Part of the Allyn & Bacon Series in Technical Communication) (Paperback)

I got this book through an online cetification class for writing user manuals and reference guides. I never would have found this book had it not been for that class. This book is great in that it takes you through the 7 steps of documentation. I'd recommend this book for those getting started in the technical writing field and those who are senior members. The author also chunks the information in a way that is easily understandable. Great book!