Chapter Summary

Technical communications take many forms and are present in both private and professional settings. When new technology is acquired, user documentation is provided to offer instruction on its proper use. User documentation comes in several forms including consumer electronics, "how to" books, and online documentation. When new electronic devices, such as computer software or cellular phones, are purchased, instructional booklets are included to show how to operate them. If these instructions are confusing or intimidating, "how to" books offer similar information in a more simple and user-friendly format.

There are numerous industries that use or create technologies that require user documentation including telecommunications, science and research, manufacturing, hospitals and health-care systems, and banking. The vast array amount technical communications has warranted the need for associations devoted to technical communicators, such as the Society for Technical Communication (STC), the Association for Education Communications and Technology (AECT), the HTML Writers Guild, the International Interactive Communications Society (IICS), and the Editorial Freelancers Association (EFA).

Online Links

Yahoo! Education (Page 24)
http://dir.yahoo.com/Education/

Technical Job Web sites (Page 26, Page 31)
www.monster.com
www.hotjobs.com
www.careerbuilder.com

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