Well, some manuals (especially these days) aren't very good. But the 'softies really did a nice job with SQL Server's BOL! Most people don't know that. I have it open 24/7 on my laptop.
I sure do miss the old days though, where you could get nice hard-copy manuals though. Gosh - that sounds SOOOO old school! 😎
Best,
Kevin G. Boles
SQL Server Consultant
SQL MVP 2007-2012
TheSQLGuru on googles mail service