Computers aid index and glossary preparation

摘要

I have written many books but only in the past two years have I had available my own computer and word processor. Now I find the word processor indispensible to my writing endeavors. But my computer can do more than just compose the manuscript. It can help me to compile and organize indexes and glossaries. I have just finished three books and I got assistance from my computer on all of them for the indexes.

There are four kinds of things my computer does for me:

1. extracts information directly from the manuscript, providing important words I might want to index;

2. helps me to make an index file;

3. puts this file in alphabetic order;

4. prints out the index in the desired format.

Some of the help I get is from program packages which I purchase. Other help I get from BASIC programs which I have written to assist me further. I have not seen many articles which describe how to combine purchased software with your programs to facilitate a unified activity.

First I will describe the system that I have and how I am using it. Then I will tell you what I wanted done in terms of indexes. Finally I will give you the details of the programs I have written and how I use the packages that you can buy.