Online documentation and help system for computer-based systems

DETAILED DESCRIPTION It is an object of the invention to provide an improved documentation and help system for computer-based systems in general, and in particular for ATE systems.
According to the invention, the documentation and help system is combined in an integrated online information system comprising an online help engine for requesting and receiving documentation and help information, an address database for storing addresses of documentation and help information, and a browser for receiving documentation and help information in a network architecture corresponding to an address applied to the browser.
The online information system assists users of the data processing system in quickly retrieving any information at any level of detail.
Integrating the documentation and help system also ensures consistency between both types of information.
The integrated online information system according to the invention allows to format a text and to process links to other sources of information avoiding the disadvantages of using proprietary formats in a proprietary online help information as known in the art.
Thus, it is easy for users to extend and maintain the information provided by the computer or software system vendor to include best practices, personalized examples, links to other information found in the network, etc.
In an ATE environment, it is possible to provide direct links to test related design information such as device data sheets, schematics, etc.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention also allows the user to directly access and maintain the online documentation (which can also be used for online help purposes) by means of the browser without requiring an access to the online help engine or to other software tools.