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.
Re: Recommended apps to learn as a new tech writer...
Subject:Re: Recommended apps to learn as a new tech writer... From:Bruce Byfield <bbyfield -at- axion -dot- net> To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com> Date:Sat, 27 Aug 2005 18:05:42 -0700
> On 8/26/05, Hiking Nut <carolinahikingnut -at- gmail -dot- com> wrote:
> >
> > I'm as new as you can get in this field (I'm starting a TW
> > certificate program this fall, but I do have 17 years under my belt as
> > a technician in the telecom field). I'd like to know if anyone could
> > recommend 2-3 software apps that I should focus on learning before I
> > applying for work in this field?
Don't learn specific applications -- learn categories of of
applications. For example, instead of being concerned specifically with
learning MS Word, focus on understanding the functionality you can
expect in a word processor. Similarly, instead of learning PhotoShop,
learn what to expect in raster graphics programs.
This approach has at least two advantages.
First, in many cases, you can use free or open source software in your
learning. Considering that proprietary options could set you back well
over $1200, this may be a major consideration for you. Others have
already suggested OpenOffice.org and the GIMP, so (for once), I won't
belabor the point
Second, even if you do learn using MS Word and PhotoShop, if you
approach them as representatives of a specific software category rather
than an end in themselves, then you can transfer your knowledge more
easily to other software. You'll be more adaptable, and, therefore, more
employable.
"Navigator, navigator, rise up and be strong,
The morning is here and there's work to be done,
With your pick and your shovel and your old dynamite,
To shift a few tons of this earthly delight."
- The Pogues
Now Shipping -- WebWorks ePublisher Pro for Word! Easily create online
Help. And online anything else. Redesigned interface with a new
project-based workflow. Try it today! http://www.webworks.com/techwr-l
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as:
archiver -at- techwr-l -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Send administrative questions to lisa -at- techwr-l -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.techwr-l.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
