Application Help is a Help system that is included with a software program. The topics it contains describe how to use the software. It typically includes topics accessed from Contents, Index, and Search tabs, and the Help system is usually started from a Help menu in the application.
When you author application Help, you create a system that includes a variety of topic types accessible from the viewer. These topic types can include:
Overview/reference topic: Background information about subject matter, overview of theories and methods, explanation of key ideas and concepts.
Task topic: Numbered steps for doing a task, what procedures to follow to accomplish work.
Lookup topic: Information needed to process information, fill in forms, ship products, run applications, fix errors, etc.
Definition topic: A description for a term.
Example topic: A sample of information at a dialog or in a file, often the output expected after a task is finished.
Navigation topic: A list of links to help users find pertinent information for the subject matter described by the topic.
Application Help often includes context-sensitive Help, which is accessible from dialogs and windows in the application relevant to tasks users are performing. For example, a user opens a dialog and needs more information on selecting its options. Clicking the Help button in the dialog opens a topic describing all the available options. The content of the topic clarifies what the options are intended to do so the user can finish a task.
There are two kinds of context-sensitive Help topics that can be used in an application. These topic types include:
Dialog/window topic: A topic that explains how to use all the features (fields and controls) at a particular dialog or window. Users access this kind of Help by clicking Help buttons in dialogs, pressing F1 anywhere in the application, and by selecting Help from right-click menus. (This kind of Help is supported with Microsoft HTML Help, WebHelp, and JavaHelp.)
What's This? Help: A topic that provides brief information about a specific field or control at a dialog. Users click a question mark in the upper-right corner of the dialog and then click the field or control they want help about. The topic is displayed in a popup window that closes when users click it. (What's This? Help is currently only supported with Microsoft HTML Help and WinHelp.)
It's important to work closely with your developers so application Help can work properly. The developers include the HTML Help file(s) with the application so they can be installed on end-users' systems.