As the title suggests, this book is a practical guide to online documentation. The introductory chapter does well in identifying several different types of online documentation systems, such as help facilities, computer-based training modules, catalogs, and guided tours. Chapter 2 details the planning process, while chapter 3 goes into detail on access strategies. This topic is given inadequate thought in many systems I use, and I tend to favor a combination of many strategies where possible. This last point is glossed over, unfortunately, in Horton’s text. Chapters 4, 5, and 6 detail topical organization, links, and organizational structures, respectively. These are perhaps the core of the book, along with the following chapter on dialogues, and they are explained at the practitioner’s level of detail, with good use of supporting citations for those who wish to follow up in the literature. While the chapter on help systems offers little information, the computer-based training chapter, while short, offers useful ideas to product planners.

As the writer of a review that, while favorable, had some critical comments on the first edition of Horton’s popular book [1], I was somewhat surprised to be given the opportunity to review the second edition. As one who has long argued for the importance of traditional system documentation, I have supported new online documentation efforts with zeal.

I am pleased to report that major improvements have been made to this book. More attention is paid to multimedia formats, a new chapter explains the planning and management of online documentation, and many practical suggestions have been added throughout the text. The layout makes good use of graphics and white space, and makes the book easy to read. The references number 295, and appear to have been updated for the new edition. In fact, the reference pages are a treasure chest for those who wish to delve into the details of any topic covered in the book. The index is similarly thorough and complete. This book is an excellent update to what was already a title high on my recommended list for computer professionals who have a job to do and a product to document.