When it comes to the use of a new product, technology, and or software one can divide people into different categories; some people are savvy and clue full, some are dummies, some others are complete idiots pun intended – and the rest of us.
Let us have a look at Dummies first. Despite the title, the publisher of Dummies – a prolific series of instructional books which are intended to present non-intimidating guides for readers new to the various topics covered – takes pains to emphasize that the books are not literally for dummies. The subtitle for every book is “A Reference for the Rest of Us!
Similarly, the Complete Idiot’s Guide is a reference book that provides a very basic understanding of seemingly difficult topics. This is accomplished by using very basic words and terminology to explain different facets of a topic. Definitions of words, profiles of people, and synopsis of events for context are also provided when necessary. They are very similar to the For Dummies books.
As I also fall in the rest of us’ category, I need to know detailed information about features, specifications, and other explanations about most new products I am to use in life and at work. I also need to find out the parts and functions, the control panel buttons, and their locations. How to set up, software installation, networking, troubleshooting (general troubleshooting tips), and the like. That is what makes me read users’ manuals before I unpack and start using them. Therefore, apart from dummies and complete idiots’, users’ manuals are for all of us too.
Users’ manuals are one of the best and the first help to know anything. They are useful throughout the life of the product. During successful operations over time, one tends to forget where the user manual has been lost. That is when everyone can look up or user’s manual available online.
