User guides are written to explain the user in simplified terms how to use the software. These guides are accompanied with other documentations such as System Administration Guides and other related material. They are the first 'port of call' when something needs to be read. People tend to read these in hurry as they get frustrated and begin to loose patience with the software. So while writing the guide, this point must be kept note of.

User guides are generally written for the users who do not have a technical bent of mind. It is different from a System Administration Guide as the level of content and terminology is not very detailed and complex as in the case of the latter.

Technical user guides should provide the users with necessary details like the end-user application. The Administrator Guide should provide with vital details on installation and configuration and the Developer Guide should provide information on enhancement and extension. All this information can be enclosed in one single guidebook depending upon the importance of these in the main document.

Following are a few general guidelines and necessities to produce a user guide:

Identifying your audience - The real power of a website rests in its ability to provide information that the company has to the people who need it. If you want to make the website effective, then it is always advisable to direct the website towards the target audience.

Writing sections - The user document should be written in a style that is understood by the users. The language should not be very difficult but simple and effective.

Production standards - Content models and production standards exist independently.

The most obvious guidelines in the guidebook are stepwise directions on how to assemble the product and how to use it. It must contain information on all the steps that the user must perform while installing the software and it must be task oriented. The guide should be specific and explanatory. Bulleting should be done in vertical form to explain the user sequentially how to use the product. Similar or related information should be put together in one chapter.

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