Online Help
We have specialists who can assist you in creating online help for your
program. Mendem Concord specializes in Windows Help systems as well as
online help for other computer systems. Well-designed online help systems
can be invaluable to computer program users. The online system can either
supplement or replace paper user documentation, depending on how it is
conceived and designed. Online help is typically available to the user
during program operation.
At Mendem Concord, we have experience in creating Windows Help using
Help Authoring Tools (HATs) such as RoboHelp or DocToHelp. You can evaluate
our help systems for yourself by looking at our examples.
In addition. we have created multi-platform systems for clients using:
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HTML Help, a tool designed and supported by Microsoft and others
to create help systems that use HyperText Markup Language, JavaScript,
Java Applets, and Active-X controls. HTML Help systems are appropriate
for new Windows applications that can rely on the Microsoft Internet Explorer
for browsing.
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NetHelp, a tool designed and supported by Netscape and others to
create help systems that use HTML and JavaScript. Allowing a broader range
of platform support, NetHelp is appropriate for multi-platform help systems,
such as those that must run on Windows, UNIX, and/or Macintosh.
Things To Consider
Some things clients may consider when consulting for online help services:
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What systems or platforms will the Help system run on? The tools
and techniques used depend upon the computing platform.
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How is the online help system to be organized? This is one of the
most important points to consider. It is generally not possible to simply
convert a paper document to an effective online help system. The creator
must have the experience to craft an easy-to-use, helpful help system.
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Does my program need “help”? Programs that use a Graphical User
Interface (GUI) most often benefit from a fully-featured, context-sensitive
online help system. Such a system places frequently needed information
where the user can find it quickly.
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Do I also need a user guide? Depending on your program’s functions,
you may need both an online help system and a user guide (either online
or paper). Mendem Concord offers both services. Or you may be interested
in "single-source" documents for paper and online.
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What help authoring tool to use? Our experts know which tools can
accomplish your goals quickly and efficiently. We’ll choose from RoboHelp,
ForeHelp, DocToHelp, HTML Help, NetHelp and others.
Benefits of Online Help
Some of the benefits you will receive from a well-designed help system
delivered by Mendem Concord:
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Better comprehension. Your users will enjoy using your program if
they can find the answers they need fast. Online help is indispensable
for today’s computer programs.
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Fewer trouble calls. Your users will rely on human support less
if they can find the answers in the online help system. Including a “troubleshooting”
section is particularly handy in avoiding expensive product support. Your
help desk personnel can handle truly out-of-the-ordinary calls.
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Lower cost of information delivery. For example, Microsoft Windows
95 was delivered with less paper documentation and relies much more on
help than previous versions. This was a major cost-saving for the software
giant.
Mendem Concord personnel can consult with you regarding your needs. When
you are ready to get started with a comprehensive online help system for
your software, contact David Demyan at dbd@mendem.com.
Mendem Concord, Inc. | One Mountain Blvd.
Warren, NJ 07059 | (888) 753-8500
emcee@mendem.com