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Subject:Re: HTML context sensitive help From:Tim Altom <taltom -at- IQUEST -dot- NET> Date:Mon, 4 Nov 1996 08:13:00 EST
At 10:55 AM 11/4/96 +0100, you wrote:
>Hello all
>I have a specific query related to online documentation. Searching the
>archives under 'HTML', 'context senstitive', 'online documentation' has
>provided some answers but my original query remains. It is this:
>Is it possible to create context-sensitive online documentation using
>HTML? I'm thinking of the user in the GUI application. This user doesn't
>understand a task or a GUI screen element so s/he presses a 'Help'
>button, or chooses 'Help' from a menu and an HTML-based window opens
>automatically providing help on the task or GUI screen element which the
>user didn't understand.
>Does anyone have experience implementing this type of documentation?
>Suggestions/advice will be greatly appreciated.
>Cheers
>Keith
HTML-based context sensitive help is possible now using Netscape Navigator
or Internet Explorer. They are, however, implemented quite differently,
although they both use an external application call to activate the help.
Netscape's NetHelp uses only Netscape's internal capabilities, while
Microsoft's HTMLHelp uses an ActiveX control for most of its help-specific
functions. Netscape's NetHelp is readily available to use now, while
Microsoft's is still in the final development stage. See their respective
Websites for details.
Tim Altom
Vice President, Simply Written, Inc.
317.899.5882 (voice) 317.899.5987 (fax)
FrameMaker support ForeHelp support
FrameMaker-to-HTML Conversions
HTML Help Consulting and Production