TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
> In regards to computer software, what is the difference between
> task-based procedures and system-based procedures?
>
> Also, could you provide an example of each?
>
> We use task-based procedures when documenting our computer software,
> but am struggling to explain the difference between the two.
I don't know what you mean by "system-based" (system is such an
ambiguous word), but I frequently contrast function-oriented writing
to task-oriented writing.
In function-oriented writing you explain how the gas pedal works, how
the gearshift works, and how the steering wheel works. In task-oriented
writing you explain how to back the car down the driveway.
Enjoy!
--- John Bell
jbell -at- paragren -dot- com
