Exciting Response!

I am so excited at your response to my blogs in the very short time that they’ve been active. I started blogging on WordPress just about a month ago. Each of these blogs has reached a milestone. There are over 200 wonderful followers of each of these sites. You must realize that this is extremely encouraging, especially to a relatively shy writer and photographer. 8)

I have quite an analytical side to my character as well, so provided below are the statistics:

204 people Enjoying The View

212 people reading what’s On My Mind

208 people Walking With Me

Thank you for your encouragement, feedback and for spreading the word. I appreciate the confidence that you have in me and am eager to continue sharing!

Tracy

http://tracyconstantine.wordpress.com

Fireworks background provided by Free Digital Photos .net

Is Your PC Slowing Down?

Do you find yourself waiting longer than you used to for your Windows XP PC to open a file or is it taking too long to load a page on the internet? Do you find yourself yelling for some serenity, right now? Before you go out and buy a new PC, try the steps in the attached file.

You should already be doing a routine backup of your system, so be sure to run another one just before starting this procedure. You should also have a list of usernames and passwords written down for all your internet sites. If you do not, now is a great time to jot them down because they will be removed. When you run this procedure, it will remove all the cookies, temporary internet files, offline web pages, old chkdsk files, temporary files, temporary pc health files and empty the recycle bin. Be patient while your PC works on cleaning your system. It will take time, especially if you haven't done it before.

The instructions are pretty straight forward, but if you don't feel comfortable doing this, just have a friend or relative who knows about computers come over and help the first time. Then, set a reminder on your calendar to run this every month to keep your PC running at its optimum speed.

Routine Maintenance for your PC (Microsoft Windows XP)

Serenity Now!

By surrounding myself with a calming atmosphere, I’m able to concentrate on the task at hand and avoid the urge to scream like George Costanza from Seinfeld, “Serenity now!”

I have purposely created a simple, serene work space that has little to distract my attention. I know it’s a little unorthodox. It’s basically a keyboard stand with a glass top, but it allows me to sit on the floor, sit cross legged on the sofa or work standing up.

You see that I also have some items on the top of the desk…my current inspiration. The bright colors keep my attention drawn toward the desk.

On the wall behind, you’ll notice several pictures. These are some of the photos that I have taken. The color on the walls is very soothing. I have a very big picture window that allows me to see the sun or moon, depending on the time. I do find myself gazing at the traffic or the people that pass by on their daily walk.

What is a Technical Writer?

So, what does a technical writer do? Basically, I'm able to understand complex information and make it easy for people to understand. As a technical writer, I determine the needs of an end user for a product or service. Then, I study the product and interview designers, developers, engineers, advertising and marketing associates and anyone else who is working on the project. By putting myself in the user's situation, I'm able to make the product or service easier to use with as few instructions as possible.

A technical writer's job is to allow others to be relaxed and comfortable. I take a lot of notes and listen attentively. Through discussions with specialists and by conducting research through personal observation, visiting the library, and using the internet, I'm able to effectively apply the information to the product or service. 

Even though I'm a technically savvy individual, I'm also very creative. Using technology and various software programs, I'm able to select photographs, blend text, graphics, charts, diagrams, sound and video to increase the user's understanding.

What kinds of things can I do with graphics and sound? I'm able to crop, adjust and blend text and graphics to create multidimensional images which can then be used in a document or in sound and video presentations. Some of the types of materials produced are: operating instructions, how-to manuals, assembly instructions, product announcements, white pages, magazine articles, video presentations, and 'frequently asked questions' (also known as FAQ) pages to help technical staff, consumers and other users.

How is the information communicated? There are many methods used, such as online, in a cloud, via an intranet or company network, in print, multimedia presentations, video or using various media devices. Being familiar with web development technologies and HTML and CSS, I'm able to create and maintain websites for internal and external use.

By being organized, I'm able to maintain the documentation sets, templates and consolidate information as well as manage multiple, competing priorities in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. With over six years of technical writing and over ten years of technical documentation experience, I have a proven track record of researching and writing excellent documentation for developers, engineers, associates and end-users. 

A technical writer is the link between the designers, developers, specialists and the end user. It's my job to make sure that all the necessary information about a product or service is communicated in a clear, concise, accurate way for internal and external audiences.