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EMail: ed-collins@comcast.net;
edcollins@onlineauthoring.com |
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Website: http://www.onlineauthoring.com |
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Home: 978.657.7970 |
Office: 508.572.7628 |
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Summary |
A technical writer and help developer with over twenty years experience in creating information technology. Major areas include web online help systems, internet/intranet web site document design and content, software and hardware technical writing, project management, localization, editing, graphics, and publications. |
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Software Tools |
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Adobe RoboHelp/HTML |
Madcap Flare |
Snag It Screen Capture |
UNIX/Linux/Sun Solaris |
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Adobe Dreamweaver MX |
Microsoft Word |
WebWorks Publisher |
Olympus Digital Camera |
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Adobe FrameMaker |
Microsoft Visio |
Image Mapping |
Oracle Database |
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Adobe Acrobat |
Microsoft PowerPoint |
PaintShop Pro |
Microsoft SQL |
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Adobe Photo Shop |
Microsoft Visual SourceSafe |
Java Scripting |
Lotus Notes |
Professional
Experience
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Northeastern University, Information Systems and Production Services, Boston, MA |
April 2008 - September 2008 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Created and produced the University Messaging Architecture Guide.
q Created and produced the e~Print Report Distribution and Archival System Guide.
q Documenting policies, procedures, and the hardware university infrastructure components for the Information Systems and Production Services group.
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Egenera Inc., Marlboro, MA |
October 2007 - February 2008 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Installed and documented Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL5, 4.5), Solaris Linux (SLES10), and Microsoft Windows Server 2003 installations for data center virtualization; software installations included fixed media CD/DVD, virtual media VCD, and NFS for multiple platforms (BF1, VXT), which included Egenera-specific software virtualization drivers.
q Worked with Release Engineering in testing and documenting Red Hat, Solaris, and Windows installations, multiplatform differences, and single-sourcing conditioning information for different platforms and different installation guides.
q Met with Subject Matter Experts, Development, Release Engineering, Documentation Manager and Writers.
q Tools included FrameMaker, Acrobat, Photoshop, SnagIt, SSH Secure Shell Client, and Cisco VPN Client for remote access.
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Harte-Hanks Trillium Software, |
July 2007 - October 2007 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Worked
with Development, Engineering, and Management to write new enhancements and updates
to the Installation and Getting Started Guides for new data quality software release;
downloaded and installed new software while testing and documenting
installation process and differences for multiple platforms.
q Provided
single sourcing strategy for Trillium and Trillium client (Oracle) for both
guides; used corporate standard Trillium and Oracle templates, and provided
conditioning elements and indicators for both Trillium and Oracle documents;
included rebranding, restyling, and reformatting of user documents based on both
corporate style guides.
q Created
new Migration Guide based on client template and style; worked with development
to gather technical information.
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Picis, Inc.,
Learning Services Technical Documentation & Training, |
January 2007 - July 2007 |
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Permanent Learning
Developer |
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q Researched, interviewed, designed, and
developed the Clinical Starter-Set Guide for the standard content included in
PreOp, Anesthesia, CCU, and PACU healthcare software applications.
q Reviewed online help requirements and
training needs for web-based clinical applications support.
q Reviewed, used, developed prototypes of
RH Help and Flare Help to recommend a new single sourcing tool Madcap Flare
to establish a new strategy within the documentation group for worldwide documentation
sourcing and integration efforts.
q Used FrameMaker, Acrobat, Photoshop,
Visio, RoboHelp, Flare, HTML, and SnagIt for documentation tools.
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State Street,  Retirement Benefits Division, Quincy, MA |
October 2006 - January 2007 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Researched,
interviewed, designed, and developed the Retirement Benefit Payment System Web
Help for the State Street Retiree division and client end business associates.
q Met with Subject Matter Expert, Associates, Business Analysts, First Line Manager, Unit Manager, Program Manager, and Usability personnel to review and test the Web Help System.
q Communicated
document project status, milestones, deliverables, and flagged and escalated any
help development issues in a timely manner.
q Worked with Build people and QA to integrate the Help Topics, and context sensitive Help map IDs and topics into the web-based application.
q Used both RoboHTML and MadCap Flare Help authoring tools, Dreamweaver, Word, Visio, Photoshop, and Snag-It for the documentation tools; recommended Madcap Flare as the best single sourcing help authoring tool for the department.
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Fidelity
Investments, FHRS, |
June 2006 - September 2006 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Researched,
interviewed, wrote, edit, and produced operational procedures for Fidelity
HRMS, Define Benefits, and Define Contributions internal end users.
q Met with Subject Matter Experts and reviewed technical specifications to obtain information, and participate in process/product walk-through demonstrations; technical reviews also included audio/video conferencing share technology from multiple locations.
q Communicated
and documented project status, milestones, and escalated problems in a timely
manner.
q Multitasked
and managed several user procedure documents and documentation projects.
q Used Lotus Notes, Word, Visio, Paintshop Pro, Internet Explorer, and Snag-It for the documentation tools.
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April 2004 - May 2006 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Web Developer |
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q Created, developed, and produced intranet web site and web document pages, and Web HTML Help Systems for the ITS Applications and Systems development group.
q Managed all web documentation projects through the creation, review, approval, and production cycles.
q Applications included Millennium Fundraising web application, Financial Aid Awards program, Purchasing Card application, BC Applications Dictionary, University Advancement Data Dictionary, and University Campus Parking Management System.
q Created functional system overviews, fundraising flow process diagrams, input and output interfaces, database specifications, data process flows, user interface functions, multiple application interfaces, encryption, integration, and troubleshooting.
q Mentored BC students in technical writing standards, procedures, draft reviews, processes, and tools.
q Used Dreamweaver, RoboHTML, Snag-It, Photoshop, Visio, Word, and Acrobat for documentation tools.
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Computer
Associates, Inc., BrightStor Applications, |
June 2003 - April 2004 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Designed and developed online Web Help for the BrightStor ARCserve Manager applications for the UNIX and Linux platforms. Managed the documentation help project of three technical writers, and an editor in multiple locations. Corporate product release included a new web help design and development for the BrightStor UNIX/Linux platforms. This BrightStor project included working with a team of UNIX developers and QA developers; created and designed help for the UNIX/Linux GUI Managers environment; provided a similar matching help system to the Windows-released version of the Windows-based help for company standard look and feel. Platforms included UNIX, Linux, Sun Solaris.
q Developed online Microsoft HTML Help and context-sensitive help descriptions for the BrightStor ARCserve Manager Network Storage applications. The BrightStor project included leading a team of Windows Help developers in converting and creating twenty-one help systems from Winhelp to HTML Help. Platforms included: Windows NT/2000/XP, and Netware.
q Worked as part of the software development team to integrate the help map IDs with the application source code ID controls in header files. Worked with the GUI and Build engineers to integrate the help systems with the BrightStor application development builds, which I downloaded and installed daily on my test machine.
q Checked help project in and out of Microsoft Visual SourceSafe Library for archive, share, and backup purposes.
q Used STAR Database System for bug tracking and bug fixing of online help releases.
q Used RoboHelp X4.1 to condition and merge help systems, as well as, to convert and create new topics and new help systems.
q Used Snag-It (screen capture tool), FrameMaker, Acrobat, and Photoshop for the documentation tools.
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GSI Lumonics, Inc.,
Optical Scanning Products, |
January 2003 - February 2003 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Developed online application help and context-sensitive help descriptions for the GSI Lumonics ScribeSmart graphical application. The ScribeSmart GUI included both software and hardware components. Platforms included: Windows NT/2000/XP.
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SJM&L, Inc., Small Business Web Marketing, Austin, TX |
June 2002 - October 2002 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Web Content Developer |
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Designed, developed, managed, and produced the Ergonomic products business web site. Web Site information included text, site navigation menus (side/bottom), site layout, javascripts, flash objects, animation, photos, and illustrations.
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Lightchip Optical Networking, Systems Software Engineering & SQA, Salem, NH |
February 2001 - May 2002 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Created customer documentation for the OWM System for monitoring, configuring, and managing Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) networks. Tested and documented both the hardware equipment and the software features through the Command Line Interface (CLI) and the Graphical User Interface (GUI). Also, wrote and produced the Cisco Systems version (ONS 15216 OPM).
q Created customer documentation for the Lightchip Optical Wavelength Router (OWR) for multiplexing up to 20 wavelengths from the ITU C-band into a multi-wavelength DWDM signal. Tested and documented both the hardware equipment and the software features through the Command Line Interface (CLI) and the Graphical User Interface (GUI).
q Created document templates for both engineering and customer documentation projects. Converted engineering specification source files from Word, to documentation source files in FrameMaker. Engineering documents included the OWM Command Line Interface, the OWM Graphical User Interface, OWM Boot Loader, OWM Spectrometer CLI and Spectrometer Boot CLI, OWR Command Line Interface, Device Descriptors, LC 485 Protocol, and Cisco Systems Final Test Specifications.
q Managed both internal (engineering) and external (customer) documentation projects from development through production.
q  Used FrameMaker to create source and PDF documents for both engineering and customer documentation.
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Lucent
Technologies, Customer Training and Information Products, |
August 2000 - April 2001 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Documented the WaveStar TDM 10G (OC-192) 4 Fiber Optical Networking system for Applications and Planning Guide.
q Described the features, applications, topologies, operations, administration, maintenance, provisioning, technical specifications, and port unit descriptions of this product for network planners and engineers.
q Used Framemaker to create hard copy, and Acrobat to create the PDF files for customer/end user documentation (Applications and Planning Guide).
q Developed training materials for the Applications, Architecture, and Planning course. Included Powerpoint slides, graphics, Instructor and Student guides.
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Terason, Medical
Division of Teratech Corp., Ultrasound Microsystems, |
May 2000 - December 2000 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Designed and developed the Online HTML Help for the Terason 2000 Ultrasound System.
q Researched and gathered technical information about the portable handheld ultrasound microsystem from ground to alpha, beta, and prerelease versions.
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Agilent
Technologies, Inc. (Hewlett Packard Company), Medical Products, |
October 1999 - July 2000 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Documented the SONOS 5500/4500 Ultrasound Imaging System for HP's medical technology healthcare customer applications.
q Researched and managed technical information across several cross-functional groups such as FDA Regulatory, Product Management, Hardware Engineering, Software Engineering, Clinical Specialist, QA, Technical Support, Manufacturing, System Administration, Translation, and Documentation.
q Technically reviewed documents through the HP verification and validation process.
q Used Framemaker to create both hard copy and PDF files for the customer/end user documentation set, which included Safety and Standards Guide, System Basics User's Guide, Integrated Digital Interface User's Guide, and System Reference Guide.
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ECRM Imaging
Systems, Film/Plate Setting Operations, |
May 1999 - May 2000 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Developed online help for the CtServer, a Windows NT multiplexing application that facilitated imaging from RIP stations.
q Wrote operating procedures for the imagesetter model types filmsetter and platesetter.
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Lucent
Technologies, Signaling and Systems Interoperability, |
May 1999 - October 1999 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Developed online application help and context-sensitive help descriptions for the ConnectStar Interworking Call Router (ICR) product. The ConnectStar ICR system included hardware and software components such as ATM Access Concentrators, 5ESS switches, Remote Access Servers, Sybase SQL Anywhere database, SNMP, SNMPc, MIB, SS7 signaling, ISDN signaling, and the Event Manager System interface. Platforms included: UNIX Sun Netra and Windows NT.
q Assisted in Framemaker documentation of System User's Guide, Release Notes, and Readme file.
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NetManage Inc. (FTP
Software Inc.), Host to PC Connectivity Group, |
April 1998 - April 1999 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Developed
online application help, install help notes and tips, and context-sensitive
help descriptions for the InterDrive NFS Client, InterDrive NFS Gateway, and
q Worked in project management and feature/bug tracking cross-functional teams that included Engineering, Development, Installation, Marketing, QA, Usability, Tech Support, Documentation, and Manufacturing groups.
q Deliverables included help install notes and tips, online application help, context-sensitive help (controls and fields), read me file, getting started document, and web install script.
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Cabletron Systems
(Digital Equipment Corp), Network Products Group, |
May 1997 - April 1998 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Developed HTML Help for the Digital clearVISN Java web-based network management application called Recovery Manager. Tool used was RoboHTML and FrontPage 97 to create the html help design, development, and management of the HTML Help.
q Used FrameMaker to document the Recovery Manager web-based application for print publication and online viewing in PDF and HTML formats.
q Used FrameMaker and FrontPage to document and publish the Digital clearVISN Release Notes for the suite of web-based network application tools. Designed for both print publication and online viewing in PDF and HTML formats.
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Nortel Networks
(Bay Networks Inc.), Internet Products Division, |
November 1996 - May 1997 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Provided Windows online help for Quick2Config Annex Remote Access application. Involved seven source files and a map file.
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Fax International,
Inc., Network Applications Department, |
February 1996 - November 1996 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Designed and developed online windows help for Fax International Broadcast application.
q Tools
used included MS Word, RoboHelp, Hotspot Editor, Screen Capture Utility, HiJaak
Pro, MS Mail, Netscape, HotDog Pro, Mapedit, HTML Assistant, and EZ Photo
Digital Camera software.
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FTP Software, Inc.,
Internet Products Group, |
October 1995 - January 1996 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Designed and developed online context-sensitive help for CyberAgent Visual Editor for Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95, and Windows NT networking environments.
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MicroTouch Systems,
Inc., Touch Technology Systems Group, |
June 1995 - October 1995 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Designed and developed online context-sensitive windows help for touch screen control panel and pen configuration utilities.
Fidelity
Investments, Corporate Division, |
March 1995 - May 1995 |
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Contract Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Designed and wrote the online internal World Wide Web help for UNIX-based client/server financial application.
q Used MS Word, MS PowerPoint, FrameMaker, HTML code, Ismap function, FM2HTML converter, UNIX Command Shell, XV, Snapshot, and IconWorks tools.
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LAM Research,
Engineering Division, |
January 1995 - March 1995 |
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Contract Technical
Writer |
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q Wrote technical procedures to conform to ISO 9000 standards and guidelines.
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Hewlett Packard
(Compaq Computers/Digital Equipment Corporation), |
March 1986 - December 1994 |
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Permanent Technical
Writer/Help Developer |
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q Developed on-line help for object oriented client server database (Sybase) application for Computer Resources Tracking program.
q Created
help topics with hypertext linking, pop ups, icons for navigational aid, and
hotspot graphics.
q Used
tools such as RoboHelp, Hotspot Editor, Screen Capture Utility, IconWorks,
PixFolio, and Paint.
q Created
on-line documents in Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) code, and converted
existing source documents in ASCII and MS WORD into HTML format for viewing on
the World Wide Web with Mosaic. Used
manual coding and template techniques for document conversions. Also, used HYPED (HYPertext EDitor) for
creating and editing HTML files.
q Documented GUIs that used Oracle, DBM, and DBMS databases.
q Performed the role of Instructor for the Digital Equipment Corporation College Mentor Intern Program, which provided training and experience in software technical writing for college graduates majoring in technical writing or journalism.
Previous
Experience
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Eikonix
Corporation, |
1985 - 1986 |
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Permanent Technical Writer |
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q Wrote and produced software and hardware technical documentation for the digital image products division.
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Wang Laboratories
Inc., |
1984 - 1985 |
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Permanent Technical Writer |
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q Wrote core software documentation for the Wang PC and the Wang PIC, which included MS-DOS, Basic and Advanced System Utilities, BASIC Programming Language Guide, and Printer Support Document.
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Computervision
Corporation, |
1982 - 1984 |
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Permanent Technical Writer |
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q Performed
Government Contract with
q Wrote
hardware and software documents according to the US Navy CAEDOS specifications
and requirements for all existing and future Computervision CAD/
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System Development
Corporation, |
1980 - 1982 |
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Programmer Analyst/ Technical Writer/Instructor � Government Contractor to Department of Transportation (DOT) |
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q Worked as Government Contractor with the Department of Transportation (DOT).
q Performed operations and maintenance procedures and verification tests on airplane and helicopter noise levels and vortices.
q Developed
and wrote, as part of a programming team at
Education
q Certification
in Computer Programming, Control Data Institute,
q Masters
Study, Secondary Education,
q BS Degree, Major: English, Minor: Social Science, Secondary Education, University of Massachusetts, Boston, MA.
q MA
Teacher�s Certification in English for Secondary