123ArticleOnline Logo
Welcome to 123ArticleOnline.com!
ALL >> Marketing >> View Article

Writing A Software Product Manual

Profile Picture
By Author: Colleen Davis
Total Articles: 100
Comment this article
Facebook ShareTwitter ShareGoogle+ ShareTwitter Share

If product manuals are important to users, then that would be doubly more important for software because of the technicality of the computer language. The print manuals for software could be touted as something that is almost as important as the program itself.

That is because software user manuals are essential for learning both the basic as well as the advanced techniques and usage of an application. As a user, you have the option to read the short version (if you are already have some technical background), but they also come in a longer version, if you need more step by step instructions. Additionally, the length of a manual’s contents will also depend on the type of software that you bought. But mostly, software manuals contain concise and precise information so that their readers will not be confused.

So if you are going to write a software manual, here are a few pointers.

1. You have to first write an outline. This will not only serve as the plan that you can follow while writing, these could also serve as your sub titles.

2. You have to be detailed as much as you can, especially in the installation ...
... process. You also need to mention the computer requirements, as there are software programs that will not work in lower models. The requirements should be the main installation procedure so users can prepare their computer beforehand.

3. You should think of your readers as neophytes in using the computer and the software. So you must include basic steps, like “click”, “double-click” or “insert CD” and such basic instructions. Some the most common instructions that you should explain are the normal installation as opposed to the advanced installation.

4. A good way to tackle the software manual is to get the user to experience going through the GUI Screens that will come out during the installation process. Even the most simplistic of computer users will understand instructions if they see the screens presented this way. Additionally, teach them how to register their software and how to put the codes and serial numbers there.

5. Get to the length of explaining what the menus are for and how to navigate them. As much as possible, explain them in about two to three sentences only. If longer explanations are necessary, then include them in the Common Tasks section so that the format of your manual will not be jeopardized.

6. If your software has advanced functions as well as extra benefits and features, then you should put these in a separate section. There are people who will not want to use this because after all, they can only understand the simple parts. But there are those who would prefer these because this is what they paid for actually. So at least, you get to separate the neophytes from the advanced users this way. Your new users will not find your software hard to understand while the advanced users can skip the instructions for the newbies and get to the meat of the matter immediately.

When you write product manuals, always make sure that you provide some tips for troubleshooting. You are already aware of what your product can and cannot do, so go to the length of explaining errors that people might encounter and what they can do about them. Your print manuals should also tell them how to avoid these errors from coming up again.


For more information, you can visit this page on product manuals

Total Views: 333Word Count: 573See All articles From Author

Add Comment

Marketing Articles

1. A.rrajani: Capturing Elegance And Confidence In Female Photoshoots Across India
Author: rrajaniphotographer

2. Savor The Authentic Taste Of Nagercoil With Enchipsu Banana Chips
Author: Chestore

3. Upgrade Your Business With The Grandse Billing Software Bundle Featuring A Cash Drawer
Author: Chestore

4. Discover The Delight Of Rantos – Lite Indian Snacks On Chestore.co
Author: Chestore

5. How To Buy A Product On Chestore.co: A Quick And Easy Guide
Author: Chestore

6. Explore Seamless Shopping With Chestore.co – Your Ultimate Online Store!
Author: Chestore

7. The Heart Of Che Retail Solutions Private Limited’s Ecommerce Revolution
Author: Chestore

8. Best Animation Video Editing In Noida, Ghaziabad, And Greater Noida
Author: Hobo e Services

9. Lost In The Noise? The Secret To Making Your Brand Unforgettable In A Crowded Market Using Deluxe Backlit Displays
Author: Maruti Khapare

10. Why Microservices Architecture Is The Future Of Software Development
Author: Technothinksup Solutions

11. Complete Guide On How To Successfully Sell On Jiomart
Author: Selling OS

12. Digital Marketing For Small Businesses: Budget-friendly Strategies To Boost Growth
Author: annaasher

13. Best Strategies For Social Media Optimization & Smm Services In India
Author: dnd teams

14. On-page Vs. Off-page Seo: What’s The Difference And Why It Matters
Author: Josh Adam

15. Social Media Video Editing In Noida, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida
Author: Hobo e Services

Login To Account
Login Email:
Password:
Forgot Password?
New User?
Sign Up Newsletter
Email Address: