Where can I obtain for free, or under $25, a word template suitable for
a software user manual?

Hi jaall

I've got a user manual WORD template on my site at
http://www.willie.meikle.btinternet.co.uk/usermanual.dot (19968 bytes)
which you can download for free.

It contains a sample user manual that I've used on development
projects in several ocassions (I'm an IT manager/tech author/systems
consultant when I'm not answering questions here), with the following
headings:

- CONTENTS 
- Overview. 
- System flow diagram. 
- Organisational requirements. 
- Interface descriptions. 
- Security arrangements. 
- User operations. 
- Service levels agreed 
- System administration procedures. 
- Examples of any forms. 
- Error messages. 
- Index of functions. 
- Description of each function. 
- Glossary of terms. 
- Cross-reference index.

As always with templates, it's up to you how much or how little you
want to use

If you have problems with the template, you can download the document
itself at either of the following

http://www.willie.meikle.btinternet.co.uk/usermanual.doc (19456 bytes)
http://www.willie.meikle.btinternet.co.uk/usermanual.rtf (13875 bytes)

If you have a problem, get in touch through my profile and I'll see
what I can do

Willie