Link controls provide another way to add navigation to topics. They are designed to work like clickable objects (usually resembling buttons) that offer users with lists of alternate or related topics. You can use link controls to:
Point users to other places: When users open topics that don't provide them with exactly what they need, link controls can save them search time and help them get to the right place.
Organize information for different kinds of users: The people who use your Help systems may have different levels of experience and knowledge. Link controls enable you to divert information into topics that are appropriate for different audiences.
Enlighten users about issues they didn't even realize were related a topic: Help is intended to provide users with a quick and easy way to find information and perform tasks. Some tasks are more complex. For example, users might need to perform a series of tasks to complete a process. Link controls can take users to other task-related topics so they can complete all required tasks.
Enable users to navigate to related concepts in other topics: Your Help system might include a series of topics that provide information about various aspects of a subject matter. Often, there are different ways to perform the same task. Link controls can take users to related topics to help them complete their work in the most efficient way.
Define browse paths: Link controls can guide users to the appropriate topics they can read in a suggested order. This is very useful for learning topics and for performing tasks in a specific order.
Control topic size and appearance: If you repeat the same information in numerous topics, you can create separate topics for this relevant content and provide access points to them with the link controls.
Give topics an updated appearance: There's no need for you to enter a long list of text links because link controls are inserted into topics as objects.
Makes it easy for users to find navigation and open topics: The link controls can look like clickable buttons. Users click the button to see the list of topics they can read next.