Total Commander

When F1 is pressed (or when any of commands number 610, 620 and 630 is executed) then TC first checks whether some alternative language is set (LanguageIni key in the configuration). If it is set, then the corresponding help file is loaded. If it is not set, then the %COMMANDER_PATH%\totalcmd.chm is loaded.

But! When new version of TC is released, then the used wants to know first "what's new". When (s)he presses F1, (s)he looks at old features! It takes much time to update/translate help file, menu, button bars, command file, etc. Finally, the author of language pack can have not enough time right now to update, upload and publish the said pack. As to me, I prefer to read always the original totalcmd.chm rather than some other's help file.

So it would be reasonable to do one of the following:

• Introduce a new key in the configuration, say, LanguageHlp. If it is absent, empty or zero, then the original help file is open (default). Otherwise the LanguageHlp key value is the full or relative (%COMMANDER_PATH%\language\something.chm) path to user's (alternative) help file;
• Create another hot key (for ex., Ctrl+Alt+F1 is free) to open the alternative help file according to the LanguageIni key value. When just F1 is pressed, or command 6?0 is executed, the original totalcmd.hlp from %COMMANDER_PATH% is open

(Discussion is here)

I don't ever use any language packs because I find interaction with a computer in English most natural. Maybe a command could be added to the Help menu, with or without a hotkey, that opens the official English help file. The user has made his localisation choice, and F1 should respect that. It should be possible to reach either help from the GUI without guessing a hotkey or editing an ini file.

I don't ever use any language packs because I find interaction with a computer in English most natural

Me too But I use the extended menu with a bunch of user commands, button bars, etc. Originally this pack was created by Petermad, but I constantly change it to accomodate to my personal needs, so now there is not much Petermad's stuff in this pack