TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Re: FrameMaker 5.0 vs. Word '97 From:Bill Burns <BillDB -at- ILE -dot- COM> Date:Tue, 8 Jul 1997 13:32:18 -0600
Carole,
I use both applications. I'm currently using Word '97 for a project of
the same scope you mention. Without a doubt, I would recommend Frame
over Word. Word handles screen captures poorly, and it lacks some of
features necessary for complex page layouts. Its autonumbering features
are also limited and inflexible. I don't mind using it for some
projects, but I wouldn't attempt to do anything over 50 pages in Word,
much less anything with multiple files.
If management doesn't choke on Frame's price, I'd go for it.
Bill Burns
Technical Writer
ILE Communications Group
billdb -at- ile -dot- com
Carole writes:
> I am going to be documenting a user manual that will probably be
> around
> 100+ pages. There will be lots of screen shots and some tables. I am
> being given the opportunity to decide on the tool. The two tools I am
> considering are FrameMaker 5.0 and Word '97. I would like to hear your
> reviews of both these tools.
>
TECHWR-L (Technical Communication) List Information: To send a message
to 2500+ readers, e-mail to TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU -dot- Send commands
to LISTSERV -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU (e.g. HELP or SIGNOFF TECHWR-L).
Search the archives at http://www.documentation.com/ or search and
browse the archives at http://listserv.okstate.edu/archives/techwr-l.html