Re: Most Important Programs to Learn

[Stefan Fielding-Isaacs <sfi -at- VERITY -dot- COM>]

 :: Karen writes of the difficulty of acquiring programs required
 :: for technical writing.

 Karen,

 I note that you're connected to netcom. If you're in the Bay Area
 I suggest that you contact Media Access/Computer Alliance at Fort
 Mason Center and become a member. They have a Macintosh lab with
 a _lot_ of software on hand that you can learn on. I believe it
 runs about $6/hr. A worthwhile investment if you're looking to
 become a technical writer.

 Alternatively, if you can try outfits like Top Copy (10th and
 Market streets in the City) which will rent you time on a variety
 of machines (from as little as $7/hr to $20/hr depending on the
 hardware). They have all kinds of printing resources and every
 font you would ever want. They let you bring in food and work
 there and have a phone for local calls. A home away from home
 to many designers.

 If you're not in San Francisco I suggest that you try and find
 a self-service service bureau. You can get time on their machines
 for reasonable prices (cf. above reference) and do your learning
 at a reasonable cost.

 I think we all agree that FrameMaker is over-priced. Do what I
 did. Go out and buy and ancient version for $50. Then buy the
 upgrade from Frame Technology to the latest version. You'll save
 a ton of money and you won't feel guilty at night.. :->

 cheers,
 Stefan
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