The Computer Readability Editing System

Abstract

The Computer Readability Editing System (CRES) is a tool for helping technical writers adhere to writing rules contained in military standards and guidelines. For example, it helps in using consistent terminology, defining technical terms and avoiding certain kinds of awkward sentence construction. The most important feature of the system is its control of vocabulary using a series of carefully compiled word lists including a common word list of 4,000 words and seven technical word lists (e.g., electronics and propulsion engineering). The lists were laboriously compiled for use specifically with military technical information. Users can easily compile lists for their own needs. The program, now running on the WANG VS minicomputer, has been designed for ease of use. Many contractors are incorporating CRES into their automated publishing systems.