Theory of operation
{{short description|Working device/system description}}
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A theory of operation is a description of how a device or system should work. It is often included in documentation, especially maintenance/service documentation, or a user manual. It aids troubleshooting by providing the troubleshooter with a mental model of how the system is supposed to work. The troubleshooter can then more easily identify discrepancies, to aid diagnosis of problem.
{{cite book |url=http://www.redbooks.ibm.com/Redbooks.nsf/pages/redbooks?Open |title=About IBM Redbooks |publisher=IBM |accessdate=November 11, 2011}} are "Theories of operation" of their products.
References
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