Re: Why people don't use the manuals (was Array question) -- RPG400-L


Hello,

after 2 years of using CDs (at work) I fully agree with that. What is the
best way (most convinient place) to get "up to date "IBM's CD for home use
(with IBM library reader)? I would appreciate help a lot.
 
Vanja Jovic

On 5 May 1999, Scott Klement wrote:

> 
> I have to say that I think the problem with the manuals is the way
> that things are worded.   I remember when I first learned this stuff,
> I just got confused by the way things were worded in the IBM manuals..
> 
> They're also very "dry", which makes it hard to just sit down and
> read them.  I think this is why the "dummies" series of books has
> become so popular -- the way they word things, and the humor they use.
> 
> As for the Books vs. the CD, vs the Web...  I find that the CD and
> web are easier for "reference".   Such as looking up a specific topic,
> (especially if you dont know where it is and need to search)
> If I need to know the positions in the File Info Data Structure of a
> specific thing, for example, its easier to whip out the CD and search
> for INFDS, and follow links from there.
> 
> The Web, to me, is identical to the CD, except it loads a lot slower.
> I use it when the CD isn't convieniently available.  I'm a bit at a
> loss to understand how its any different from the CD.
> 
> The printed manuals are much easier if you're going to sit down and
> read whole chapters.   I don't often do this, unless I'm learning a
> whole new skill, which is unusual.   For new programmers, however,
> this is a much bigger deal, so when I'm training people I tend to
> start with printed manuals (we have a few of the common things) and
> then teach them how to use the CD for reference.
> 
> 
> 
> "Joe Teff" <jteff19@idt.net> wrote:
> > That wasn't the case (or not as much) when manuals were manuals.
> > I beleive that the softcopy manuals have contributed greatly to this
> >  I
> > actually prefer the web over the softcopy (finding and accessing the
> > info using the web manuals is faster and easier than using the CD).
> > The only problem is developers do not have web access at work in
> > many cases. I do only because I carry my laptop and use my phone
> > connection to dial into my personnal account with my ISP. I find tha
> > many sites do not use Infoseeker because of disk considerations and
> > thier manuals are several releases/versions old.
> >
> > >Definitely agree with you there. Many people are scared of the
> >  manuals,
> > >for some reason?
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