Diagnostic Software Help File Considerations: Overview

With the advent of PC-based diagnostic applications, the functions and capabilities provided to the technician has increased at a phenomenal rate. Current applications provide the technician with the ability to not only view diagnostic and service information. but include the added ability to both reconfigure and reprogram an ECU, thus potentially changing the operating characteristics of the component controlled by that ECU. Future applications will further extend this capability. Because of this, it is highly recommended that developers of PC based diagnostic applications include as part of the program, extensive, on-line technician help, covering the general use of the applications as well as context-sensitive help based upon the technician's current activity.

Over the years of Windows™-based application development, help standards have evolved and improved, and can be applied to all types of PC applications regardless of their function. This study group recommends that these common use guidelines be followed as closely as possible.