Use of "By Using" and "Using" in sentence

[manthan1]

Hi,

I have a doubt over using of the 2 words: "By using" and Using" in a sentence.

For example,

The following steps explain how to link the equipment with the XML file by using the
Citect Project Editor application:

or,

The following steps explain how to link the equipment with the XML file using the
Citect Project Editor application:


Please suggest me which one is more appropriate while giving instructions to someone for guidance purpose. I feel the second one is more suitable sentence than the first one or both are correct.

Regards,
Manthan

[Tdol]

I would use the second, but I think the first could also be used.