Word processing is the use of computers to type, edit, and print letters, reports, articles, and other documents. It has replaced typewriting for many tasks at home, in school, and in the office. Business people, authors, students, and lawyers turn to word processing as a tool for writing.
Two main types of equipment are used for word processing: (1) personal computers and (2) electronic typewriters. Personal computers need special instructions called programs or software to perform word processing. Electronic typewriters resemble electric typewriters but include a built-in specialized computer. This computer provides limited word processing capabilities, such as the ability to store and automatically type a small amount of text.
Personal computers
display characters on a computer screen as the user types them. Words, lines, paragraphs, and pages can be added, deleted, moved, or copied with a few keystrokes or the click of a button on a mouse or some other handheld input device. Most word processing programs enable the user to check for spelling errors. Many can check grammar in a limited way. Most can also sort and merge lists and perform limited mathematical computations. At the touch of a key, the user can print out an entire document. The computer can store documents on magnetic disks or other storage devices, so additional corrections or copies can easily be made later.
Personal computers are more powerful and versatile than electronic typewriters. They can be programmed to do many things besides word processing. For example, a computer can exchange information with other computers over a network. Personal computers are generally more expensive than electronic typewriters.
Electronic typewriters
can perform only the most basic word processing functions, such as inserting, deleting, and underlining text. Most can also check for spelling errors. On many electronic typewriters, a small screen displays material as it is typed. Many electronic typewriters have a memory, but the amount of text it can store is much smaller than that which a personal computer can store.
History.
In the mid-1970’s, computer companies introduced dedicated word processors, relatively expensive computers that mainly performed word processing. In the 1980’s, more versatile personal computers—and word processing programs for those computers—became common. Today, personal computers are the most widely used form of word processor.
See also Computer (Applications software); Desktop publishing; Office work; Printer.
