software control terms

["Christine Leisgen" <Christine -dot- Leisgen -at- gmgcolor -dot- com>]

Dear all,

 

in the last years, I used general and short sentences for describing
software controls, for example, "click x". I remember that this usage
was recommended for technical writers some years ago.

 

I now realized that at least now, Microsoft uses a more "wordy"
explanation of software terms, e. g. "activate the check-box for options
x". I see that there is the advantage that it is clearer for the user
where to look for the option (it is a check box, not a drop-down list).
On the other hand, it makes documentation longer and more boring, from
my point of view.

 

What is your opinion on the matter?

 

Best regards, Christine

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