At the top of the Help file type scale, WebHelp is viewable and predictably functional on a wide range of internet browsers. WebHelp provides a one-on-one interface with any popular HTML software, such as Dreamweaver or FrontPage. It is even possible to generate a web site in WebHelp, as ClarityFirst has done with the site your are currently viewing. WebHelp also provides flexibility and a range of choices in page appearance. You can fortify WebHelp with Java by making a clear selection when you generate the Help, or you can produce WebHelp that is pure HTML.
This type of file (a .CHM) is frequently used for electronic manuals. CHMs or Compiled HTML files are compact and quickly downloadable and effectively printable. However they do not offer some of the flexibility and dynamic capabilities of 'WebHelp’ files. Most importantly, while HTML Help CHM files display beautifully in Internet Explorer, they do not operate in all browsers.
The modern history of Online Help dates to 1990, when Windows Help (WinHelp) became a reality. This type of help, opened from an ‘HLP’ file only in Windows. WinHelp preceded HTML Help or Web Help capability, i.e. WinHelp could not be opened in a browser such as Internet Explorer or Netscape Navigator. WinHelp is currently still in use, however most new Help development is done in HTML Help or WebHelp formats.
ClarityFirst can generate all these types of Help, including print manuals, in combination or separately. One of our clients requested WinHelp, HTML Help, WebHelp and a print manual from the same source files. ClarityFirst successfully delivered the complete set.
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