Introduction To Word Processing
Introduction To Word Processing
Introduction To Word Processing
Processors
WORD PROCESSING.
Word processing is the art of text manipulation. It involves creating & producing professional
looking documents such as letters, memos, reports, etc.
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Word
Processors
Contains Tools such as Spelling and grammar checkers, Bookmarks & Thesaurus (which
provides alternative words – synonyms).
Typing errors can be corrected and the text modified before printing the final version.
Enables the use of document templates, which can be used to quickly create the most
frequently used documents once the format has been set.
Allows Mail merging, which makes it possible to combine several letters.
This is very useful when similar letters has to be sent to several people. The names and
addresses of each person can be merged with one single standard document and printed out.
Enables creation of Newspaper layouts, which can be used for manipulation of Column text.
Has the ability to add graphics within documents.
Allows creation of Footnotes and Endnotes.
Provides file protection using Passwords.
Contain Macros, which can be used to automate the most frequent & repetitive tasks.
Have the ability to create and import tables, text and graphics from other programs.
All Word processors have similar document windows with the following features:
(a).They are designed to look like a piece of paper with a few electronic improvements.
(b).The screen is blank before typing of text.
(c). There is a Cursor, which blinks at the position where you can begin entering text.
(d).There is a Status bar that provides the user with information about current status such as
saving operation, the name of the file in use, the current page, and column cursor
position.
(e). Word wrap: A facility/feature that automatically moves a word or cursor to the
beginning of the next line if there is insufficient room at the end of the current line.
(f). Scrolling: This is the vertical movement of text document on the screen, either using the
Up or Down arrow keys, Page Up or Page Down keys, or using the Mouse in Windows
based word processors.
(g).Help: Contains instructions, tips, pointers, explanations and guidance on how to use an
application.
(h).Editing modes: Word processors have two editing modes; Insert mode and Type over
mode.
In Insert mode, every character typed between words, lines or characters is placed at the
cursor position. This pushes all the text in front of the cursor away without deleting it.
In Type over mode, every character typed deletes what was there before and replaces it
with new text at the cursor position.
Common examples of Word processors: -
* Microsoft Word. * WordStar.
* Corel WordPerfect. * Wang writer.
* Lotus WordPro. * WordWrite.
Advantages of Word processors.
Word processors have almost replaced typewriters and other writing tools as the means of
creating documents. This is because; a word processor has a number of advantages that include:
(i). A document can be stored in the computer for future reference in computer files. The files
do not occupy physical space like the one on paper; hence, this creates a paperless
document processing environment.
(ii). Typing using a word processor is easier & more efficient because some actions are
automated.
Examples;
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Word
Processors
- Word wrap feature automatically takes the cursor to the beginning of the next line once
you reach the end of the current line.
- Automatic insertion of a new page after reaching the end of the current page.
(iii). Most word processors have special editing tools such as Spelling and grammar checkers
that help the user to easily correct grammar and spelling mistakes. Thesaurus helps to find
a word with similar meanings.
(iv). Most word processors have Insert and Type over modes. Therefore, one can easily insert
or replace a word or a phrase without affecting the structure and neatness of the document.
(v). Word processors have superior document formatting features such as underlining,
boldfacing, italicization, applying different colours, etc.
Formatting refers to the art of making the document more attractive and appealing to the
eye.
(vi). A Word processor enables one to produce many copies of a document through printing;
whereas, a typewriter may require retying of the entire document when we want many
copies.
(vii). Word processor has Cut, Copy and Paste commands that enable the user to incorporate
other text without having to retype it.
(viii). Provides secrecy in writing documents through Passwords.
(ix). Allow simple arithmetic operations such as additions, multiplications, etc.
(x). Allows Mail merging (combining of several documents).
Disadvantages of Word processors.
(i). They are Expensive.
(ii). The use of Word processors creates unemployment.
(iii). The use of the Word processors is limited only to those areas with power supply.
(iv). There is need of a literate person to operate it.
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Word
Processors
3. What constraints do early Word processors have?