Fix for Acrobat license problem

RT @techcommdood: Fix for Acrobat license problem in TCS2 http://bit.ly/7etdWd (h/t R. Combs on Framers)

Input and Output Options for FrameMaker to RoboHelp Integration

For the past few years I’ve represented Adobe at various Tech Comm conferences, including the last 2 STC Summits. In discussing options for FrameMaker to RoboHelp integration, I developed a “chalk-talk” that usually took about 15 minutes to draw out and explain. The end result looked something like this:

Available inputs and outputs using Frame and RoboHelp

In the diagram above, the solid lines represent inputs for both applications, while the broken lines represent traditional outputs. In some cases, like PDF output, there are overlaps between the capabilities of the two applications, where you can choose between the strengths of each application. 

As one person observed, “It looks like 2 spiders mating”

While I can’t really argue that point,  what I see instead is a blueprint for  managing content using FrameMaker.

Now, when I give out this same info, I can just cross out the elements that a client might not be interested in, and give them the same perspective in less than 1/2 the time.

 Most folks expect this process to be really involved, and to be both expensive and stressful. In reality, it takes only a few hours to map out the FrameMaker formatting into RoboHelp, and then another few hours to work out the formatting bugaboos in HTML and CSS, and to define your single source layouts in RoboHelp.

The first time through the process can have a learning curve, so plan on either seeking services or education from a training provider like roundpeg, or invest some time in online tutorials like those from RJ Jacquez at http://blogs.adobe.com/rjacquez/2009/05/linking_framemaker_9_books_in.html 

Either can make the process both rapid and pain-free.

Adobe Connect e-learning guidelines

Optimizing your online training experience

Browser | Meeting room | System Setup | Attendance | Class Files | Conference Call

Suggestions or comments? Please comment below

Browser

• Microsoft Internet Explorer is recommended. Other browsers may require you to perform troubleshooting and tech support on your own.

Meeting room

• Be sure to log in prior to the day of class to ensure access using the same computer you’ll use in class. If the instructor has set up time to troubleshoot your setup, please take advantage of this by logging in during that timeframe. Everyone involved will appreciate being able to start class on time without troubleshooting your hardware.
  • Go to Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio Setup Wizard. Follow the instructions there to ensure proper settings for your equipment. Here are a few tips for Audio Setup Wizard settings:
    • If the Presenter’s audio is breaking up, use the Advanced button to turn off Enhanced Audio
    • If your microphone (or headset mic) creates static, use the Advanced button to verify your Acoustic Echo is set to your audio environment (headset vs. speakers)
  • Go to Meeting > Manage My Settings > My Connection Speed > DSL/Cable
  • Download any files as instructed in the meeting room

System Setup

• Though not explicitly required, a second monitor is helpful to see both presentation and hands-on exercises at the same time
• If a second monitor is not available, you can also:
  • log into the conference on one system to watch the presentation
  • operate another system for class exercises.
    • This method will not allow the instructor to troubleshoot your class exercises via the remote connection unless you log into the presentation on that computer as well.
• Make sure you have the necessary version of the software installed locally for your class.
  • If another version of software will be used, get permission for this prior to class
  • Attending class using other versions is not automatically an option.
• Do not log on to a remote computer to attend your eLearning class (Do not use remote access software, or VPN connection)
  • Example: Logging into your work computer from home. If you attempt to participate in the meeting from a remote computer, this connection will interfere with the eLearning session running at the same time.

Attendance

• Please be respectful of other student’s time and be on the conference call and in the meeting room a few minutes prior to the start of the session.
• Your participation in class often depends on material presented earlier in class. Please refrain from email, phone, and other activity that will divert your attention while class is in session.
• As with in-person training, your instructor and others can hear your cell phone, your conversations, and your typing. Please mute your phone if these are unavoidable distractions.
• If you must step away from the session, please set your status in the meeting to “Away” or otherwise notify the instructor via chat windows or conference call.

Class Files

• Please install class files prior to the day of class.
• Depending on the course, your class files may be delivered:
  • on a CD with your book materials
  • as a download in the Connect classroom
  • via email or your IT staff

Audio/Conference Call

If you are in a noisy environment, be aware of controls for muting your microphone. Examples requiring muting include: exessive white noise, feedback and echo, as well as loud co-workers.

• If using a phone
  for conference call:
  • A landline is recommended
  • Do not use your HOLD button if your phone system plays music or messages while on hold
  • Consider the length of the class before deciding to use a cell phone or other battery operated equipment
  • Ensure that any battery operated phone equipment will last for the duration of the conference calls.
  • A hands-free headset (with microphone!) will make the long conference call more enjoyable
  • No speaker phones are allowed, unless your microphone is will be muted during call
  • The conference call is a standard call, not toll-free.
    • Please ensure your ability to dial out to the provided phone number in your class information
• If using a VOIP/computer-based call
  for conference call:
  • A hands-free headset will make the long conference call more enjoyable
  • Ensure that any battery operated equipment will last for the duration of the conference calls.
  • No speaker phones are allowed, unless your microphone is will be muted during call
  • Performance of audio will be based upon speed of internet connection
    • If you have a slow internet connection, consider calling into the conference number via landline)
  • NOTE: If the audio you hear is broken or clipped, please go back through the Meeting > Manage My Settings > Audio Setup Wizard. You will find an Advanced button which will allow you to set the properties appropriately to your setup, and will allow you to deselect Enhanced Audio. This should result in less clipping of audio.

Merits of saving a custom CSS for RH Projects

When you’ll be creating more than one RoboHelp project, either maintained directly in RoboHelp or with content linked from FrameMaker and other sources, consider keeping a CSS with a separate name other than default.css or RHStylemapping.css for use in your projects. A separate custom CSS will allow you to, among other things, put in code that addresses limitations or omissions in the standard CSS files (see http://wp.me/pKaGh-K)

When your custom CSS has a custom name, it will be easier to avoid confusion than if you simply overwrite one of the default CSS.

Controlling lists in linked FrameMaker to RoboHelp projects

When linking FrameMaker 9 to RoboHelp 8 projects using TCS2, you may get frustrated at the (lack of) control over the size, font, and other properties associated with the autonumbered lists.

Often I hear folks erroneously blame this on the mapping from FM to RH. The mapping actually produces quite clean HTML, but there is a CSS issue that you must also address.

Here’s a quick fix, using the <body> tag to apply global formatting defaults:

In a text or css editor (I use Dreamweaver) open your conversion CSS (by default, it’s RHStyleMapping.css in your RoboHelp project directory) and add the following entry at the top:

body {
 font-family:Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif;
 font-size: 8.5pt;
}

Of course, feel free to edit the properties applied or adjust their values to suit your project.

Because nearly everything in your converted file will use a specific mapping to a CSS element, the values specified will become your “base” values, overridden by the other definitions in your CSS. Only when there are no rules defined to format content will you see the <body> values applied.

Captivate Path Observation

I noticed the other day that the pretty Captivate path motion functions differently than I previously thought…

The initial path direction is always to the the left or right (when not going either straight up or straight down) rather than being controlled by whether the starting mouse position is on one side or another of the horizontal or 45 degree axes (sp. for plural of axis??)

Captivate: Changes I’d like to see

When working with software, do you ever think that a feature would be more obvious if properly named/described/organized? Do you think there’s been an omission from a menu or dialog box?

This is the first of a series of planned, constantly updated posts related to minor corrections to the labels and dialogs used in applications. If you agree or disagree, please comment below. If you really agree with an item, go to the Adobe Features/Bugs Form and vote for it yourself. It takes 3 minutes, and is the best way to be heard, especially when a request is logged by multiple users.

Text Captions

Now that we can edit text by double-clicking in the text caption, I’d like to see the Caption Type added to the right-click menu (context menu) for captions. Often I need to go into Text Caption Properties for only this purpose.

Hilight not snapping to Playhead on insert

Unlike other objects, my hilight box is inserted at “0” on the timeline, rather than at the current location of the playhead.

Screen Capture Tools comparison

Matthew Ellison has written an in-depth review of 10 popular screen capture utilities. The link is at http://www.writersua.com/articles/capturetools/index.html