Online help

Many software products offer a documentation that is accessible during program use.

The help file provides the user with an interactive table of contents. Also in the texts themselves are hyperlinks used, which refer to other fields in the Help. For many programs, it can be accessed from the software or the hotkey for the most commonly used F1 help menu.

Some programs also offer a context-sensitive help, which pops up a help button in almost any dialog box. When pressed, the program suggests the same help on the appropriate page or you see a tooltip is already shown when you move the cursor over the element.

Today, help files usually have a topic- oriented. So Any help page covers a self-contained as possible issue, such as the description of a window.

Sometimes the aid of software is also offered in the form of HTML files that can be viewed in a web browser. Again, a direct context-sensitive jumping to the relevant help page directly from the program using a hotkey or another function is often possible. This method is particularly common in programs that are platform-independent designed for different operating systems with different own Help systems.

Help formats

Help files are available, among others, in the following formats:

  • AmigaGuide
  • JavaHelp
  • WinHelp
  • Apple Help
  • HTML Help
  • WebHelp
  • Oracle Help for Java
  • Flash Help
  • Help 2.0
  • CP / M Help
  • Help library for VMS
  • Software component
  • Technical Documentation
  • Usability
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