This manual is targeted at as many computers users as possible. The goal of the manual is to prove that all computer users can benefit from using version control in their work and that the Revision Control System (RCS) is the tool which can provide users access to version control. This manual will teach and also serve as a reference for anyone interested in using RCS.

There are certain previous skills and knowledge needed to use RCS. RCS is a typical unix command-line tool. It is therefore similar to learning or understanding other unix command line tools. This manual does not introduce the concepts of file systems, command-line shells, and other basic skills to navigating a unix operating system. Some users may find this manual more helpful if they were to first learn the fundamentals of the GNU operating system and working in a shell.