Do you read the manual?

[David Prahl]

How often do you read manuals? What items are so "obvious" that you never read, and what items do you always read the manual for?


Building a computer...pretty straight-forward.

Using development software...I'll figure it out.

Flashing my PPC's ROM...READ EVERYTHING TWICE! :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

[rhmorrison]

When I obtain a new device whether TV, Video, laptop, PDA, washing machine, etcetera I read the manual from cover to cover. Then I put it away and only pull it out if I need to review something that doesn't need to be done very often. By doing this I usually know what the unit can do even if I may not remember how to use it I at least know where to find it.

[Pat Logsdon]

Not reading manuals is how I keep my troubleshooting skills sharp! :mrgreen:

[Jeff Rutledge]

Not reading manuals is how I keep my troubleshooting skills sharp! :mrgreen:

:rotfl:


It's funny because it's true...

[Jacob]

I usually flip through and skim the manual at least once.. but I don't read the whole thing word for word.

I check whether it's a feature I"m interested and then I'll read more thoroughly.

[petvas]

It actually depends on the device. If the device is something very expensive or new to me, I read the manual (skipping all obvious parts) after playing with the device for a while... 8)

[GoldKey]

Most manuals are so poorly written that they just confuse things. If a product is well designed, for the most part you should not need a manual. I only look if I have a problem or want to do something very specific.

[ctmagnus]

It's funny because it's true...

(Attributed to the great Homer Simpson.)


If it's expensive enough or the technology is new enough, I'll make the stretch to read the manual. Otherwise, it's just a waste of neurons.

[Jeff Rutledge]

It's funny because it's true...

(Attributed to the great Homer Simpson.)

Actually, it was Fat Tony after Bart and the boyz watched a typically-violent Itchy & Scratchy. :mrgreen:

[Pat Logsdon]

Ah yes, Fat Tony. My second favorite Simpson's character, after Groundskeeper Willy. WILLY wouldn't read the manual, either, I'll bet. :mrgreen:

http://www.thesimpsons.com/bios/images/bios_school_willie.gif
"FEH! Manuals are for wee SISSIES!"

[Video11]

Usually read the manual for the expensive toys and then file it away in a huge 3 ring binder with all of my other manuals. I'm actually working on filling up my third binder. That way I can find the manual later if I really do need it.

[maximus]

Before I buy something, I usually performed extensive search on the internet about that particular item. In general, manuals are of no use to me.

However, I read work-related manuals (against my will). Things I do for money :p

[Kevin Remhof]

Most of the time, I find manuals to be a waste of time. If a product is designed to be easy to use, you shouldn't need a manual.

But, when I got my Palm III a few years ago, I read the manual cover to cover. Mostly because I was so excited to have a new gizmo.

I actually wish my iPaq had come with a manual. The transition from Palm OS to Pocket PC 2002 was a bit overwhelming at first.

But normally, I don't bother with manuals. I can figure things out without them. Besides, it's fun to play around.

[preempt2]

If I have to read the manual, the technology is only in the formative stages and needs further development. One should be able to go to work with no instructions!

[isilver]

I use to dislike reading manuals. But trust me it's helpful. I have a story for everyone (Don't laugh).

I purchased this Suped up stero from Sony. I got it mostly to setup my home entertaintment section. I needed something to listen to Dolby Digital 5.1.

I tried to get the radio working but couldn't. It's the first Stereo I have every owned so I double checked all the connections made sure the Antena was plugged in and it was. The most I could get was one station with a great deal of static.

I went back to the dealer and asked him what was up. He told me that there were black holes in the city where the radio signal doesn't go. This was a surprise since my walkman picks up a great signal from the same room. We all know how these sales people are. Once you own the product they never want to see you again.

About 3 months past and I had moved to a new address. Hooked up the stereo and still no luck. No sound through the Radio.

This is when I went crazy and read the manual. On the 4th page there was a picture of the Stereo with all the connections. It seems that my receiving has both a AM and an FM connection to get a good signal.

Luckily I kept the box and there hidden deep within this box was the FM antena. Ever since then I have read any manual from begining to end. You never know what you will find out.

[`helios]

Usually, I know how to use it before I even buy it i.e. PPC

And with computers, there really isn't any point (depending on your level of expertise) unless I'm looking for specific information about the computer.

[Certified Optimist]

I don't enjoy reading manuals, but... then again... I've noticed that reading the manual usually means I need to spend a lot less time learning how to work my new toys... (obviously skipping the sections saying "don't put it in the dishwasher")

So... reading the manual saves play time and reduces any frustrations about "...things not working the way they should..." :D

[David Prahl]

I like to download manuals while I'm waiting for a product to arrive.

It almost satisfies my NEED to have that software/hardware in my little hands! :mrgreen:

[DigitalDust]

open the box and start working on my new device check it out first then after that reed the manual from cover to cover

[MikeUnwired]

If I have to read the manual, the item isn't designed well enough.

[dean_shan]

Manuals are the devel! :twisted: To me have the fun is learning it your self. And as Surgical Snack said "It keeps my trouble shooting skills sharp"

[Brad Adrian]

What's a manual?

[jimski]

As another post noted, manuals have gotten so predictable, it dosen't matter if it's a toster oven or a digital camera, they all read about the same.

I sort of fast read every manual and try to focus on things that are new or different.

Just think if everyone read their manuals, how little we would have to post about on PPCT.

[149125198]

Manual has helped me in learning many tricks of the trade, which are only given either on some geeky web site or the manual :D

[Foo Fighter]

What? There's a manual?

[hdsalinas]

I usually download the manuals before I make a purchase just so that I know all the functions that it really has.

What I really hate about manuals is the troubleshooting section. I would say that it only helps 10% of the time (being optimistic) If I check the manual is because I know that the appliance is plugged in and that is turned on. We have been using appliance for how long now? This section is really a waste of time. They should tell you how to take it apart and how to fix it.

Like Sienfield once said, Why would they teach us how to buckle up on airplanes? Dont they know that cars also have seatbelts ?!
:!:

[szamot]

how is a man to learn anthing if he gets all the answers spelled out to him?

[jersey_tom]

Reading a study once that showed over 80% of males put in front of something familiar but new (ie. newer versions of something they had already used) would try it out then after running into problems consult the manual compared to only 20% women.

I however never consult the manual, I generally find it's much more fun that way :) and being male I suppose science agrees with me!

tom.

[Weyoun6]

Usually, manuals these days arent worth the trees they are printed on. And like people have been saying, a product really shouldn't "need" a manual. The only company I know of that makes manuals that are worthwhile to read is Maxis.

[wocket]

Manuals are nice and thick, great for beating somthing with when it does'nt work.

[ChristopherTD]

I generally read the QuickStart guide to note the sequence of actions required, then I dive in. There is getting less to read in most products these days though, they rely on online help and guides which are often annoyingly vague or impossibly difficult to find the answer to your particular problem.

My old HP calculators (41CX vintage) had wonderful manuals, full of things definitely worth reading. They were also written by people who understood how to write technical manuals. I recently installed some PC software from Brother for designing embroideries and it had a 200 page glossy manual that was completely useless. It laboriously described every menu option and dialog but failed to ever describe a real life process that you might undertake with the software. I did try to read this manual because I needed to know how the software worked, but the manual told me nothing!

[PR.]

I always play first, ask questions later :)

Usually I read the beginning of the manual and depending on how much of a moron it is treating me depends on if I continue to read it.

e.g. My first Dell laptop had a clear and consise Quick start guide, then the manual told you some of the laptop specific features such as enabling the IR header.

Whereas HP rom update manuals usually say something like "Don't remove the iPAQ from the docking station during the flash process to enter a new Contact"

Personally I would prefer to see 3 manuals shipped with products (1) Quick Start (2) Basics Manual (3) Advanced manual. This way I don't have to have my hand held showing me where the start button is when I'm in a hurry and know perfectly well where it is! :)

[woa1]

I usually download the manuals before I make a purchase just so that I know all the functions that it really has.

:!:

Same here. It has saved me from purchasing a few items which after reviewing the manual definitely didn't have all the features I wanted. Also has worked the other way sometimes and surprised me with a few features I didn't realize the device had and now realized I wanted!

[cherring]

I generally don't read the manual for anything but has anyone tried to rack convert an IBM E-server without reading the manual? I just can't do it. Besides, if there is any company that knows how to write a detailed manual, IBM does.

[Talldog]

I take a lot of (good natured) crap from my coworkers for being so anal about reading the manuals, but I give it right back to them. From where I sit, it seems like a lot of the guys who are proud of not reading the manuals are also likely to a) confidently assure you that they can solve your problem, when in fact they have no idea whether they can or not, and b) will give you what they say is the correct answer, when they're really just guessing, and c) will tell you that what you're trying to do is impossible/unsupported/etc., because they won't admit that they don't know the answer. Whether it an end user, or a fellow techie looking for help, nobody appreciates the trial-and-error approach to solving THEIR problem.

[Sven Johannsen]

I think it has been pointed out, but reading the instructions is often a worthwhile endeavor. How else would you know, for any particular new device, whether you install the software/drivers before ever connecting the device, or connect the device and load the software when prompted? Makes a difference that can affect how the following couple of hours go.

I find that it is often very beneficial to read the 'manual', which can often be a PDF on the CD or just the help file, on PPC software because of obscure capabilities. There is very little real estate on the screen and you just don't have room to put a menu option for every thing without cluttering up the screen, or burying options deep in sub-menus.

For example in the new version of Mapopolis you can add Via points to a route. The way you select that is to generate a route, show the route on a map, tap the location,feature,road, you want as a via, which pops up an info box. You tap and hold in the info box and the context menu has 'route via'. You might find that by accident, after a while. Sounds cumbersome, but it really works well, though I wouldn't say it is 'intuitive'. There would have been other ways to identify 'vias', but this works and doesn't materially change an already familiar interface.

Anyway, I read the manual because I like to know what the stuff can do, and I am not conceited enough to believe that if I can't figure it out, it is designed wrong.

[quidproquo]

I usually give the "quick start guide" a once over.... and then dive in! :D

If I run into problems, then I use the manuals table of contents to look up my particular issue....then fix it and move on.

Like others have said...it keeps your troubleshooting skills sharp!

[JonathanWardRogers]

I'd love to say I read every manual before using a device/program, but I like to dive in. That's why I love quick start guides. Gives me the info I need to get started right away. I use the manual for reference if I get stuck. I'll also read them from time to time for products I own and am using to see if there are any cool features that I didn't know about, or for entertainment value, as most manuals are so poorly written as to be funny.

[PantheraLeo2k3]

When it comes to software, I'll dive in and read the help file if need be. Most manuals I read for pleasure. I agree with the three-manual theory. Like this:

Quick start: Plug the widget in BEFORE you install the software, do not take it out of the cradle while flashing the ROM, do not taunt Happy Fun Ball

Basic manual: Take out the plastic penlike stick. It is called a stylus. When you touch it to the screen, it is called tapping

Advanced manual: To open, unscrew the five outermost screws. Do not touch the red wire marked (backlight 800 volts). :D

That way, everyone wins.

[disconnected]

Sven,

Thanks for the explanation. I haven't downloaded the latest Mapopolis version yet; I'd heard that this feature was added, but I didn't understand how it was going to work.

I guess my usual mode is --
Glance through the manual to gain confidence.
Plunge right in.
Screw things up royally.
Check the manual again and get totally confused.
If it's a PPC thing, come here for help. :D

[David Prahl]

I think it depends on the device/software.

Palms and Pocket PCs have a built-in "quick start tutorial" after a hard-reset. In my case, this has been all I need to work a Palm or PPC. They're pretty simple (until you want to go wireless :lol: ).

Enter Microsoft. How are WE supposed to know that hitting Alt+0169 displays the © symbol? Who told us that hitting the Windows key + M minimized all active windows?? I'd like to see MS ship a reference guide with their products. And I mean more than "Click Start to begin."

[Jacob]

Enter Microsoft. How are WE supposed to know that hitting Alt+0169 displays the © symbol? Who told us that hitting the Windows key + M minimized all active windows?? I'd like to see MS ship a reference guide with their products. And I mean more than "Click Start to begin."

But then what would all those authors who write 1000 page "Windows tips and tricks" do for money? :lol:

The problem with that is there is just SOO much stuff in an OS to do that. Yes, I think it's a good idea - the problem is how long would you read through the manual to find out that that the Windows key + E launches WIndows Explorer and Windows key +M minimizes all windows.

A complete manual on Windows would be HUGE - those big Windows Guides aren't even enough - although they spend like 100 pages just to get to how to double click.

[SofaTater]

I only read the manual if -- after banging my head on the wall a few times -- I absolutely can't figure something out from trial and error...

[ale2999]

I just skim through it to find any important info if it is very expensive. If it is computer related stuff, I dont read manuals (except for motherboards) Hech my 2210 was my 1st ppc and I didnt skim through the manual till yesterday lol

[bjornkeizers]

I never bother with manuals. Especially for Pocket PC's. The only thing I need my manual for is to know how long to charge it initially, and where I can find the occasional catch or pin or reset thingamagic. I never need a manual to use a device, and I never bother with them when I have a problem. If I can't solve it myself - I'll go to the experts: user groups like this one.

[rmasinag]

"If all else fails, read the manual/ask for directions"

Now that's manly!!!!

I guess I'm manly :mrgreen:


The only manual I read thoroughly was my first motherboard, and I'm trying to dig through my Olympus C5050 pdf manual that's about 3-350 pages long.

That's what you get for a camera that's over $600 I guess... 8O

[Talldog]

I'd like to see MS ship a reference guide with their products.
Me too!! A Windows Mobile Resource Kit, just like the desktop OS has.

But then what would all those authors who write 1000 page "Windows tips and tricks" do for money?
The problem is, all these 1,000 page books (at least in the PPC world) are just glorified end-user guides. I'm looking for the kind of reference guide that would (for instance) explain step-by-step, in excruciating detail, what happens from the time you put the stylus in the reset hole until you are presented with the Today screen. Something at a much lower level than the books that are available today, but at a higher level than the API call documentation that you find in the SDK.

[karen]

Where's the option for "Uh...yeah...I'm female...."

I don't actually read them, except for any installation instruction skimming and configuration advice/descriptions.

BUT! I keep them around, I know where they are, and yes, sometimes I have to look up a feature to find out how it works.

Uh, yeah, I'm a woman...hear me roar...

[Jeff Rutledge]

Manuals??? Are you kidding me?

I'm the guy who wishes I could get rid of the "Help" link on the Start Menu to free up space. 8)

[ctmagnus]

Manuals??? Are you kidding me?

I'm the guy who wishes I could get rid of the "Help" link on the Start Menu to free up space. 8)

Psst... Look here (http://www.computing.net/windows2000/wwwboard/forum/46220.html).

Sometimes it's more useful to read something other than the manual. ;)

[Jeff Rutledge]

Manuals??? Are you kidding me?

I'm the guy who wishes I could get rid of the "Help" link on the Start Menu to free up space. 8)

Psst... Look here (http://www.computing.net/windows2000/wwwboard/forum/46220.html).

Sometimes it's more useful to read something other than the manual. ;)
ctmagnus,

That's hilarious. I was just kidding. I should have known that someone had figured out how though.

Now, can you find out how to do it on the PPC? 8)

PS: I'm at my in-laws place, about 30 clicks out of Vernon. How's about this smoke eh?

[ctmagnus]

ctmagnus,

That's hilarious. I was just kidding. I should have known that someone had figured out how though.

Now, can you find out how to do it on the PPC? 8)

Nope. PPC has no MMC capabilities afaik. But it may be possible by hacking some exes/dlls.

PS: I'm at my in-laws place, about 30 clicks out of Vernon. How's about this smoke eh?

Actually, it's clear as a bell here today. 8) You're just more towards the heart of all the forest fires. Which, it has been mentioned, are a result of the provincial government neglecting to clean up all the needles and crud lying on the ground. Somebody didn't read their good forestry practices manual! ;)

[David Prahl]

Somebody didn't read their good forestry practices manual! ;)

:onfire: :rotfl: