Computer user documentation tends to be written by computer people, those familiar with or involved with the computer's development, who organize manuals in terms of software structure. The author details problems caused by this approach, and ways in which they can be resolved.

Four parallels between technical communication and user-friendly systems are discussed. They are: (1) its overall structures should be apparent to the user; (2) it should be congenial without being chatty or too personal; (3) its nomenclature and syntax must be consistent throughout all functions; and (4) its logic must not trap users in loops but should lead them straight to their goals.