The Web Writer The Web Writer. For Help's Changing Role. Nearly every computer user needs it at one time or another.
Some online help is excellent.
Users who wanted to learn the software started with the manual, which often included tutorials. Online help was a backup, a reminder for users who needed hints on key points. As reference manuals began to disappear and more software came preloaded on users' computers, online help became online documentation and tutorials became computer-based training. Now, few software makers provide CBT, so most software users begin their learning experience using the online help. The documentation must get new users started.