Speak the User s Language

The terminology recommended by the Microsoft Manual of Style for Technical Publications is specifically designed to be understood by a wide range of users. Any other terminology you use should be carefully chosen to be readily understood by your program's users. What terminology do your program's users understand? Of course, this depends on the target user. Unless your software is for programmers, you should avoid using computer jargon. Try to use common, everyday words instead. For example, the common term "separator" is much better than the technical term "delimiter" for most users. If technical terms are necessary, make sure they are terms that are likely to be in the user's vocabulary.