Table of contents comparison

Help system tables of contents (TOC) provide users with a hierarchical overview of the content. Users can browse through a TOC to see what topics are covered and select a topic to get the information they want. The following information explains how they work in WinHelp and HTML Help.

WinHelp

Microsoft HTML Help

Hierarchy of books and pages (arranged by authors) displayed in separate Help topics dialog

Hierarchy of books and pages (arranged by authors) displayed in left-hand pane of HTML Help viewer

Separate .CNT file (for WinHelp 4) shipped with .HLP file

TOC items saved in .HHC file in HTML Help project, compiled into HTML Help .CHM file

Merged tables of contents from other WinHelp systems (Master .CNT file)

Merged tables of contents from other HTML Help systems (external TOC files)

Pages can link to WinHelp topics, run macros, open external WinHelp topics and go to Web sites, intranets and display HTML pages

Books and pages can link to HTML Help topics, Web sites, intranets, email addresses, FTP sites, newsgroups, play sound and video, and open external HTML topics (in other .CHM files)

Pages can open target topics in main window and secondary window

Books and pages can open target topics in main window, secondary windows and frames

 

Availability of TOC items can be specified by using information types

 

Customizable icons for books and pages