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Subject:Re: User's Manuals vs. User's Guide From:jmoser -at- lexmark -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Wed, 9 May 2001 09:15:42 -0400
Okay, here goes . . . (tongue firmly planted in cheek)
"Manual" comes from the Latin manus, relating to the hand. "Guide" can be traced
back to the Middle English word giden, which means leader, or one who points the
way.
So . . . if you're a real stickler on this point, I'd say that if your document
is not in print (i.e. you can't hold it in your hand) then don't use "manual".
Otherwise, it doesn't really matter.
BTW, I don't really take myself this seriously . . . no, really . . . I mean it!
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