I'm wondering if there is a modern and preferred approach of the manual format from the standpoint of users. I thought about making a CHM file but my manager told me that feels very "Windows 98ish" and have asked me to look for alternative options.
The application I'm making is a small internal business app that will be used by maybe 15-20 people at most. The user can navigate in the program by clicking on the left-side tree menu which docks a window on the right side.
Here is a simple requirement: pressing F1 while having a menu opened should automatically open the relevant section in the help file.
Some considerations I thought about:
1) Create a PPT file->Convert to HTML->Open relevant page in a default browser
Pros: User has the option to use their favorite browser
Cons: Must validate that the page displays correctly in most browsers. Only works in IE 8/9 (I haven't verified for IE 10 but I've heard that the page renders incorrectly in it)
2) HTML Files with images->Open the relevant page in a default browser
Pros: Similar to above, except the page is more malleable in an HTML way
Cons: Similar to above, except now the images must be edited instead of the PPT file (a little bit more inconvenient)
3) Make a separate form
Pros: Feels native to the application. Displaying another form for help is often an expected behavior.
Cons: Realistically speaking, the developer is the only one who can update/modify the manual if necessary.
Or should I try to convince my manager and say that CHM files are the best way to go?