The author draws upon experience in software publishing and in the composition classroom to indicate what challenges confront new technical writers in software writing positions. The paper covers four topics: 1) Descriptions of software writing projects which indicate that writers must know how to use options such as motion, color, reader interaction, and individualization; 2) Writing challenges facing students—orienting readers, interaction technique, succinctness, and pace; 3) Print/software publishing differences which include: the need for programming or authoring systems, the planning and implementation of computer options and mechanical detail, the influence of graphics on the writing, the use of a top/down approach, the use of necessary field tests, and the early involvement of publishers; and 4) A software writing exercise requiring students to use the top/down approach and to write text to accompany the graphics.