Computer Knowledge Helps
What makes a good technical writer shine above the others is his/her ability to understand computer programming logic. I’m not saying you had to be a computer programmer in a past life, but having the understanding of computer fundamentals is important when it comes to communicating with programmers, technical leads, quality assurance testers, and support technicians. All of who are going to be your direct links to writing about a product.
You can take some classes at your local community college if you don’t understand how a computer works. Alternatively, you can try some online classes such as Computer Based Training. If you can’t afford the cost of the classes or training, try reading some books such as a Basic Computer Bundle that teaches you how a computer works and how the Internet works. Or, you can try some tutorials such as Computer Fundamentals.
Look in your local computer store’s book section or your local bookstore’s computer section. Wherever you go, you’ll be sure to find something at your level. If you have friends who are in the computer programming field, ask them to help you. Have them explain each computer part to you and how they work together. Maybe they can even help you understand how a computer reads a program and how the program works in the background with the data you input. All of this is important because it helps you build your logic skills.
Logic skills are important elements when writing user manuals for computer programs. Remember, not all technical writers are going to be writing a computer program user manual. There is so much technology in the world today that nearly every industry uses computers in some way or another. You can choose from basic technical fields such as military, aerospace, and engineering to financial, health, and education. The choices are almost endless when it comes to technical writing.
Industry Expertise Helps
Does that mean you have to be an expert in any of these fields to become a good technical writer? No, but having a background in the field you’re writing in does help. Remember, most people don’t start out choosing to become a technical writer. So, if you’ve worked in an industry and compiled a stock of experience, you might want to start your writing career in that field.
Know The Tools
Learn the tools that technical writers use – word processing, document management, online help authoring. Some of the most common tools are Microsoft Word, Adobe PageMaker,
