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.
Jim Gilliam <techwriter -at- ARISTOTLE -dot- NET> wrote:
>I'm finishing up my thesis in my MA technical writing program and have
>found that several jobs I would like to apply for require software
>applications like FrameMaker & RoboHelp, etc. Because these programs
>are expensive, I was wondering if there are any tutorials out there that
>I can download and still experiment with and learn. That way I can
>provide some type of evidence on my resume that I do have experience
>(even tutorial experience) with these packages.
Jim:
A few suggestions:
--Adobe regularly gives out CDs of FrameMaker and other products
at demos; you contact Adobe and see what's available.
--Ask someone to borrow their CD (but not the registration number). Many
products can be installed as a demo copy without a registration number.
These installations are completely legal.
--The educational prices for some software is about a third of the full
price. Once you buy, your licence is treted the same as anyone else's.
--Buy used copies from used software stores, then upgrade to current
versions.
You can sometimes end up paying less than a quarter of the full price.
--Failing all these suggests, prioritize your needs and skimp and save
to meet them.
That's what I did when I was switching careers a couple of years ago.
At that time, FrameMaker was fabulously expensive for me, but learning
it was probably the best thing I could have done. It got me hired, and
the first
three days of professional work paid for it.
Hope these ideas help.
--
Bruce Byfield, Outlaw Communications
Co-ordinator ,Vancouver Technical Communicators' Co-op List
Vancouver, BC, Canada
(604) 421-7189 or 687-2133
bbyfield -at- axionet,com or bruce -at- dataphile-ca -dot- com
www.outlawcommunications.com
"Unjust and spiteful criticism taught me more than a quiet acceptance
would have done, and for that, I thank those blundering judges who were
responsible for my education. The motivations behind their judgments
enlightened me and allowed me to enjoy a clear conscience. A sincere
mind turns everything to its advantage, and that which would discourage
mere vanity redoubles the fervor of real commitment."
-George Sand
