Editorial Reviews:
Get the reference that defines standards and best practices for technical writers, editors, and content managers who work with Microsoft technologies. Developed by the Microsoft Editorial Standards Group, the newest edition of the computer industry?s leading manual of style has been fully updated, expanded, and optimized for usability. You get coverage on the latest developments?from accessibility and globalization issues to mobile computing, XML, and other emerging standards?as well as Microsoft-specific products, technologies, and initiatives. You?ll find expertly articulated and organized information about general usage, grammar, punctuation, formatting and layout, front matter, and indexing and attributing, as well as focused guidelines for topics such as creating specific document types, including Readme files and case studies; writing for software developers; documenting the user interface; and developing bias-free communications. Comprehensive, easy-to-use, and thoroughly up-to-date, the MICROSOFT MANUAL OF STYLE FOR TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS, Third Edition, can help you maximize the impact and precision of your technical communications.
With so many software products to its credit, Microsoft can't help but have an opinion on computer terms and usage. Many topnotch technical companies, writers, and editors consider the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications to be a standard in the industry. Technical writers and editors often refer to it when they can't find an answer in The Chicago Manual of Style or when researching appropriate style issues to include in their company's in-house style manual. While this manual of style can't possibly list everything that is created by Microsoft, it does advise how to use and spell both general and computer-related terms and takes a stand on sticky style, technical writing, and design and interface issues. This second edition has been updated to include significant changes in Internet terminology and usage. Alphabetically tabbed pages make it easy to locate topics of interest. A useful appendix defines acronyms and abbreviations and shares any special style rules associated with them. Another appendix lists keyboard characters and the correct names that should be used to describe each one. The enclosed CD-ROM contains an electronic version of the book along with a copy of the Microsoft Press Computer Dictionary. --Cristina Vaamonde
Customer Reviews:
Displaying 1 to 5 of 38 total reviews (Page 1 of 8):
 Excellent Manual...
...but not a proper textbook for undergraduate "Technical Writing" course. Definitely an excellent reference book for such course, though.
Dr. Sunil Samanta MS Manual of style JFO Review
Book is excellent, delivery was ok, even if a little bit longer than expected.  Typical Microsoft
This book ok, but not great. Some of their standards are a little antiquated.
If you are a software tech writer, check out the Sun Technical Publications, Read Me First! A Style Guide for the Computer Industry, Second Edition.
If you work in the Mac world, then get the "Apple Publications, Style Guide." It is available free on the web. Excellent document standards resource
We're using this one at work to help us write doc standards. It's invaluable! Thanks to Microsoft for recognizing that the term is "Web site" and that there is no such word as "website." Hooray!!  Serves a Specific Purpose
Honestly...I have been a technical writer for over 20 years and only recently even looked at this book. Granted, I found that how I learned to write was right on target. However, I think following this book to the letter is not a good idea. This book should be nothing more than a high-level reference for any "wannabe" tech writer. Technical writing is far more than proper capitalization (internet vs. Internet) or how you refer to something (dialog vs. dialog box). It's about your target audience, the message you're trying to convey, and the benefit to the end user. This book does not cover that: that comes from real world experience, training, and mentoring. I've seen too many people use this as their "bible" for technical writing when it shouldn't be.
As long as you keep in mind that this book will not teach you to be technical writer - only help bring continuity to your work allowing it to fall in line with others - then buy it. More Customer Reviews:
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(38 reviews)
