For more than thirty-five years, I have been working in the computer industry. For
the last three years I have been doing Personal Computer Training – helping people get
more comfortable with their computers and more proficient with the Internet, email, and
various software programs.
Prior to the computer training, I worked as a freelance technical writer, specializing in user documentation. From 1992 through 2000, my principal client was Canon Computer Systems, Inc. (CCSI) where I was responsible for producing all the user documentation for Canon’s Bubble Jet printers and MultiPASS products. (The MultiPASS line is their multi-function printer, fax, scanner, and copier.) I also produced the user documentation for several digital cameras (PowerShot 600, PowerShot A5, PowerShot Pro70) and scanners (CanoScan FB320P, Scan-O-Rama).
While working with Canon, I would start with specifications from Canon Inc. (Japan)
and then work with both Technical Support and Software Engineers as well with the
product itself. I was responsible for the writing and editing of the documentation.
I would coordinate the page layout and design with my desktop publisher and graphic artist.
The completed documentation package included a Quick Start Guide (colorful, graphic setup instructions, normally several pages accordion-style) and a comprehensive User’s Manual
(either printed or online in PDF format).
My documentation work has always been well received and highly rated when being critiqued
with various products by different computer and business periodicals. My resume follows.
1976 to Present
Freelance Technical Writer
Product and Software Documentation
Responsible for complete lines of user documentation, technical specifications, and programming manuals for contracting customers. Responsible for all aspects of documentation production, including concept and design, writing and editing, desktop publishing or typesetting, and printing of documentation. Client list:
Canon Computer Systems, Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Epson America, Inc.
Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.
GENICOM Corporation
Parana Supplies Corporation
American Medical International (AMI)
Transaction Technology Incorporated (TTI)
Honeywell Information Systems
Pertec Computer Corporation
SAGE Professional Computer Systems
XXCAL, Inc.
1972 to 1976
Computer Machinery Corporation (CMC) – Division of Pertec Computer Corporation, Marina del Rey, California
Software Documentation Analyst – Research and Development Department
Responsible for software documentation for data entry system manufacturer.
Product Specialist – Development Programming Department
Responsible for certification and quality assurance of new software for data entry system.
1970 to 1971
Brain Information Service – Biomedical Library, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
Programmer
Responsible for generation of monthly periodical; liaison with computer center
EDUCATION
University of California at Los Angeles – Bachelor of Arts Degree, Economics,
June 1970
Additional Course Work – Computer programming courses: PL/1, COBOL, FORTRAN IV; Leadership Principles; Supervisory Training (UCLA Personnel Department); Small Business Management
