AS 3898-1991

This International Standard describes the user documentation and cover information supplied with consumer software packages:- User documentationThis documentation provides users with all the information they need to install and run the software. Typically this documentation takes the form of one or more manuals included with the software inside the wrapping. As a result, users are not able to consult the manual(s) until they have bought the package. User documentation is described in section one of this International Standard.- Cover informationThis is information given on the external wrapping of the package. Its purpose is to enable prospective purchasers to decide on the applicability of the software to their requirements. Cover information is described in section two of this International Standard. This International Standard does not cover - Marketing literature.- The brochures and leaflets whose purpose is to promote the package.- Technical descriptions of the softwareAll the system, program and data documentation required to maintain and enhance the software, i.e. the documentation which describes the content of the software as opposed to its use. Manufacturers produce this documentation in order to be able to adequately support the software, but in order to protect their proprietary interests, they will not normally release it to the consumer.This International Standard does not give guidance on how the information should be presented, nor does theordering given to information in this International Standard imply a prescribed order for the information content of the documentation of an individual package. This International Standard is applicable to software packages sold off-the-shelf to consumers for business, scientific, educational and home use.

First published as AS 3898-1991.