Robert,

Thanks for the extensive information. It sounds like creating my help system in HTML just might be the long-term advantage. My problem with RoboHelp is that there's no eval package available; must purchase only! They claim a 30-day money-back, but I'd rather not get into. Right now I'm seriously looking at ForeHelp, although I'd really like to include RoboHelp in my evaluation.

Thanks again!

Mark



>Mark,
>
>MS standards for Windows 98 is HTML format help. Quite similar to the windows explorer. If you have a copy of 98 check out help from the start menu.
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>No - I don't use it on the web, although I've imported some of the pages of my help system and placed them directly on a web page. Looks the same. Help systems in the future, according to MS will all be in HTML format. I'm not using the old style anymore - all my help is written in the HTML format now. Really depends what you want to do with it. I have a shellexecute that calls the help system from within my vfp6 app. (Written by George Tasker) It works great. My whats this help on my .exe file is from RoboHelp. I like the html format better. 1 - it is easier to create because there are less features and I don't need all that the RoboHelp has, 2 - it is fast. Only problem is it only supports Internet Explorer but I would guess future updates will include Netscape. (I could be wrong on that one - actually I've asked for feedback from beta testers and you know how that goes.)
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>You might want to look into RoboHelp Office. It includes both and some very helpful tools. www.blue-sky.com is the web site.
>
>My opinion - if I had to do it again - I'd still buy this product. Just check out the awards it has and continues to win.
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>Robert
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>>Robert,
>>
>>RoboHelp was suggested to me prior; I'm looking into it now. Any particular reason I would need the HTML portion? That just gives some kind of help via the web? Could you explain what that gives me exactly?
>>
>>Also, RoboHelp looks like it sells for $299. Know a better price anywhere?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Mark
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>>Mark,
>>>
>>>I'm using RoboHelp and it works outstanding. I created both whats this help using RoboHelp and a full blown help system using RoboHTML. The html help system is quite elaborate and was very easy to use. I haven't tried or seen ForeHelp and don't intend to. It may very well work as well as what I've got.
>>>
>>>Robert
>>>
>>>>David,
>>>>
>>>>I knew I could count on you for valuable info! ;-)
>>>>
>>>>I looked at ForeHelp, but only on the outskirts. I've downloaded a demo for Help Magician Pro; know anything about that? Have not checked into RoboHelp, but will.
>>>>
>>>>Thanks much! Happy New Year!
>>>>
>>>>Mark
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>>Mark,
>>>>>
>>>>>I'm very happy with ForeHelp, it gives a good WYSIWYG help editting environment. Others here also highly recommend RoboHelp.
>>>>>
>>>>>>I appreciate your assistance. West Wind's product requires VFP 6.0; I am sticking with 5.0a SP3 for now as I'm tired of going to higher levels of bugs.