Essential Utilities for Technical Writers

"Essential utilities" are those tools that new technical writers are expected to know already and must frantically learn early in their first job. This course gives you a basic introduction to:

What will I learn in this essential utilities course?

• FileZilla Pro FTP tool (FileZilla Pro, a $19.99 US app, is necessary for the FTP unit. If you choose not to purchase FileZilla Pro, just skip that unit.)
• Archive tools (zip)
• Common file system tasks in Windows, Macs, UNIX
• Macro-based Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, or vim
• Batch editing and similar (UNIX, Windows, Macs) for multi-file revision
• File permissions in UNIX operating systems
• Basic image editing with GIMP
• Technical support using a simulated tech-support system
• stackoverflow questionsquestion-and-answer websites
• Text-expander apps
• GenAI quick look-up

What study resources are available?

• links to informative web pages
• videos and transcripts of those videos
• interactive online exercises and quizzes for practice
• e-mail to your instructor when you have questions
• send your work to your instructor for review and revision if necessary

Register for this course!

Can I see some example units for this essential utilities course?

• UNIX file permissions
• Sublime Text, Visual Studio Code, vim

Can I have a look at the syllabus?

Essential Utilities for Technical Writers

What does this Essential Utilities for Technical Writers course cost?

Course cost: McMurrey Associates $95 U.S., no other purchases necessary, unless you choose to purchase FileZilla Pro or you wish to purchase and use Photoshop instead of using GIMP (which is free).

How does this essential utilities course work?

• You have 93 days to complete the units of this course.
• You are welcome to work ahead of the schedule you see on your schedule page for this course. If you foresee needing extra time, contact admin@mcmassociates.io
• No refunds will be granted after the third day that you have access to this course.
• Unless results are automatic, your instructor will review, comment on, and return your work within three days of receipt. Expect an e-mail confirmation that your instructor has received your work.
• Your instructor is available many hours per week to answer your questions and provide other help. Setting up an appointment works best.
• The topics in this course are the most important at beginning and intermediate levels. You can request units on other topics; your instructor will consider adding them.
• Your instructor will gladly provide you with a letter describing the quality of your work in this course.
• Your instructor will make reasonable efforts to ensure your success in this course but can make no guarantees concerning your writing or career success outside of this course.

Register for this course!

How do I register and when do I start?

1. Click the registration link just above. Once we receive your payment for this course, you receive a link in which you select a start date. Your schedule is then set up for you with due dates starting 3 days from the start date you selected.
2. For each unit:
   1. you do some reading, watch some videos to learn concepts and procedures for that unit. (You can skip units for whatever reason, but if you need a recommendation, your instructor will mention those omissions.)
   2. Use whichever software you prefer.
   3. you then practice the concepts and procedures of that unit. The videos show you step by step how to do the practice work for that unit.
   4. you send the practice work to your instructor, who reviews and comments, and if necessary explains revisions needed. You repeat the revision–review cycle until you get it right. (You can choose not to revise—it's your course, your money.)

Information and programs provided by admin@mcmassociates.io.