Word processing system

COMPUTER FUNDAMENTALS

Word Processing System

Word processing is a term coined to emphasize the manipulation of certain types of data characters combined to form sentences, paragraphs, memos, letters, and reports. It refers to computer-aided preparation of documents. A word processing system comprises equipment, procedures, and people whereby thoughts and ideas are expressed and distributed in hardcopy and/or soft-copy forms. Word processing system can provide text editing capability that minimizes the need for secretaries to type numerous drafts of reports.

Capabilities of Word Processors

1. Automatic functions. These include the following:
Automatic carrier return at the end of a line. Automatic centering of headings Single keystroke underscoring of a word or line. Automatic decimal alignment of columns and numbers. Bold printing Automatic tab setting with left and right justification.

Capabilities of Word Processors

2. Storage function. This feature makes true word processing possible. Documents can be printed in one version, stored, reedited, and printed again at a later date-over and over again. 3. Display function. The display function allows one to see what has been keyed in before it is printed.

Capabilities of Word Processors

4. Communication function. It is now possible for a number of stand-alone machines to be directly connected to each other forming a communication network capable of transmitting messages and documents. 5. Sophisticated function. It has the ability to check words in a document against a preprogrammed dictionary and indicate words that do not match.

Capabilities of Word Processors

6. Programming functions. Many WPs can accept instructions in programming languages such as BASIC, FORTRAN, and others.

Word Processing Software

To perform word processing, a set of computer programs will have to be written, or more likely, a prepared software for word processing has to be purchased. Examples of WPS:
Wordstar SuperScript Screenwriter Word Handler Apple Writer Spellstar MS Word