Alternatives for developing user documentation for applications software

Abstract

The preparation of software documentation is an iterative process that involves research, analysis, design, and testing. The writer must have a solid understanding of the technical aspects of the document being prepared, good writing skills, and, most important, an understanding of the needs of the audience for whom the document is written. This thesis described the theory and steps taken in developing software user documentation for applications software. The final products are two prototypes of user's guides for applications software programs, specifically WordPerfect 5.1 and dBase IV 1.1, installed on the networks in the Administrative Sciences/Information Systems Computer Laboratories at the Naval Postgraduate School.