Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications

Everyone who writes about computing needs this book, from technical writers to journalists to marketers. This authoritative reference is now fully updated and extended to cover the latest advances in computing, including important Microsoft technologies, publishing on the Web, Internet topics and terms, and more. And of course, it offers all the hard-to-find facts and easy-to-use features that have established it as the standard in its field.

Organized alphabetically for easy lookup, this book is a gold mine of information, including: Correct and consistent usage of terminology, with an emphasis on technical computer terms, punctuation, grammar, design and interface elements, and more Clear practical advice on good writing practices-everything from using verbs effectively to maintaining the right voice for a chosen audience Words commonly misspelled in technical documents Terms to avoid How to recognize jargon How and when to use abbreviations and acronyms

All this makes the MICROSOFT MANUAL OF STYLE FOR TECHNICAL PUBLICATIONS, SECOND EDITION, required reading for writers, editors, and anyone else who needs to put it correctly, clearly, and cogently.

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