Chapter 19 & 20

Chapter 19- Web Pages

HTML: Hypertext markup language

- this is a language that people working with computers can all understand.  <b> means bold </b> means end bold.  They are symbols that encode for certain things.

Elements of a usable web site:

• accessibility- want the web site to be easy to navigate.  the keywords should stand out.
• worthwhile content- you want the information on the website to be accurate and up to date .  The information should be what the web site is about.
• sensible arrangement- users want to know where they are in the website. they should be able to go forward, backwards, home, in an easy manor.  They want the main point right when they get to the website instead of having to search for it.
• Good writing and page design- users want an easy to read writing style and they want the look of the page to be engaging.  They don't want it to be cluttered and hard to find what they are looking for. 
• Good graphics and special effects- some people are visual and look for images right away.  If this pertains to your web site, clear pictures should be added.  

Guidelines for creating a web site:

• identify the intended audience
• decide on the site's purpose
• decide on what the site will contain
• decide on the level of user interaction
• visit other sites for design ideas
• chunk your information
• design your pages to guide the user
• use graphics that download quickly
• make the content broadly accessible
• organize so that the user can follow the information flow
• provide orientation
• provide navigational aids
• sharpen the style
• show cultural sensitivity
• check your site
• test your site for usability
• attend to legal considerations
• maintain your site

Privacy issues in online communication- the information online is shareable to everyone

• troubleshooting- helps fix a computer, also gets rid of problems such as bugs
• productivity- this allows you to track intranet use.
• security- this allows you to know what your employees have been doing. it can open emails as well.

Chapter 20- Technical Definitions

Technical definitions tells the reader exactly what the meaning that your intending to use.  Always define a term first before you use it unless you are positive that the reader knows what it means.

The purpose of technical definitions is to tell what exactly is being talked about, and also what exactly it is.  When leasing an apartment, a contract will tell the responsibilities for both the lessee and the lessor.  It will specifically state an agreement and what it means.

Levels of detail in a definition

• Parenthetical definition- this is when you can state the meaning of a word by simply using a synonym.
• Sentence definition- this is used for more complex terms.  this can be done by giving the name of the item, the class to which it belongs, then the definition.
• Expanded definition- this is used when a more in depth definition is needed.  It can be a short paragraph, or a few pages.

Expansion Methods

• etymology- giving the words origin.  also you can state what stems mean to help figure out a word.  example: biology (bio- means life) so the study of life.
• history and background- sometimes a background discussion is necessary for those who want in depth information.
• negation- this states what the term does not mean
• operating principle- this states how the product operates correctly
• analysis of parts- this is used when explaining a technical concept.  they need to know the parts so that they understand the whole.
• Visuals- these help clarify definitions.  Always explain your visual. 
• comparison and contrast- this helps them understand the information they already know with new information
• required materials or conditions- this show tell if the item needs special materials or handling.
• example- these are a good way to help the reader understand what your talking about.

Situations Requiring Definitions- some situations require definitions for the reader to understand better.  The level of definition also needs to be carefully crafted because the viewers reading will have different levels of knowledge.

Placement of Definitions- each time a new word is introduced, the definition should follow closely.  Try not to put more than 3 or 4 definitions too close together because its disruptive.

Guideline for Defining Clearly and Precisely

• decide on the level of detail
• classify the item precisely
• differentiate the item accurately
• avoid circular definitions
• expand your definition selectively
• use visuals to clarify your meaning
• know "how much is enough"
• consider the legal implications of your definitions
• consider the ethical implications of your definition
• place your definition in an appropriate location