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.
A few other essential items are an understanding of both DOS and Windows
environments; basic programming in pascal, C, or other language (not BASIC);
Knowledge of Databases, spreadsheet, word processing, and page layout
applications; the variety of input and output devices on the market; and basic
networking. This may seem like a lot, but it is what you need to know in the
end. Some of these skills are usually found in today's high school graduates
(sometimes not) and only the missing skills need be taught. A fluent knowledge
of these subjects allows the technical writer to function uninhibited in todays
computer environment. Simply, if a carpenter does not know how to use his
tools, he will not build a very sound house.
Chris Loris
harris -dot- cloris -at- IC1D -dot- harris -dot- com
