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Subject:Re: RoboHelp vs. ForeHelp From:Tom Huffman <tlhuffman -at- earthlink -dot- net> Date:Wed, 7 Jun 2000 16:43:04 -0400
Tony:
Both are good tools. RoboHelp has somewhat more power (easy insertion or
pre-defined DHTML effects, RH 2000 WinHelp that gives a tri-pane view similar to
HTML Help, Glossary and Favorites tabs in HTML Help, transparent access to HTML
source, and a boodle of useful accessories), but ForeHelp is cheaper, a smaller
installation, and somewhat more flexible (imports FrameMaker MIF files and
allows for considerable customization of of the cross-platform WebHelp
appearance).
I'm not sure either is a good choice for single-sourcing. Though both will
generate manuals, it's just the same content formatted in a linear,
print-appropriate fashion. I'm not a fan of single-sourcing, though. Help files
and manuals are just too different to make single-sourcing wise, IMO. Tools like
Quadralay WebWorks (FrameMaker) and Doc-To-Help (Word) are better for
single-sourcing, but neither are as powerful, flexible, or as easy to use purely
as HATs as either RoboHelp or ForeHelp. So, it's a trade-off.
If you are committed to single-sourcing, you should get a tool especially
designed for that purpose. If you are primarily interested in a HAT tool or are
not committed to single-sourcing, then either RoboHelp or ForeHelp would be a
good choice.
*******
> Hello,
>
> I am new to this group and want to thank you for allowing me to participate.
>
> Our company is currently developing a new piece of software and have decided
> to embrace a new help authoring tool. This tool must allow us to maintain a
> help file and written documentation with the same content. In the past we
> have used HelpBreeze and have found it difficult to use. We are now looking
> at RoboHelp and ForeHelp. I have heard good things about both of these
> products which is making it difficult to make a decision. Any comments or
> suggestions would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Tony Adler
> Product Specifier
> Digital Monitoring Products
> 2841 E. Industrial Drive
> Springfield, MO 65802
>
> tadler -at- dmpnet -dot- com
>http://www.dmpnet.com
