Word Processing

Word Processing Definitions

1. Word Processing--a computerized method of writing, editing, saving, and printing text
2. Text--another name for alphabetical data that was entered
3. Character--any letter, number, or symbol typed on the keyboard
4. Data--information entered into the computer
5. Word Wrap--letting the computer decide where to end each line (typing text without pushing return at the end of each line) |
6. Document--anything produced on a word processing program
7. Cursor--a highlighted mark (sometimes blinking) on the screen that indicates the user's location |
8. Arrow Keys--keys used in place of the mouse to move the cursor to a new location
9. Special Function Keys--keys that carry out specific things (Ex: Shift keys, Return keys,
Caps Lock key) |
10. Command Keys--Used in conjunction with another key to carry out an operation
11. Menu Bar--The line at the top of the screen that gives you your different choices
12. Title Bar--The line near the top of the screen that gives the name of your file
13. Font--style of writing
14. Scroll--to move text up and down and left and right on the screen
15. Edit--to make changes to a document
16. Insert--to add new text into already existing text
17. Delete--to remove or erase
18. Icons--pictures or symbols that represent work (files or programs) behind them
19. Printout--output from a printer
20. Cut and Paste--to highlight text and move it to another location
21. Copy and Paste--to highlight text, leave it where it is, and also put a copy of it in another location |
22. Justification--to align text either to the left/right or both margins
23. Tab--used to indent text in a line; can also be used to set-up columns in a document
24. Hardcopy--output from a computer that you can touch--(Ex: output from a printer or plotter) |
25. Softcopy--output from a computer that you can see or hear, but can not touch--
(Ex: output from a monitor or speaker) |
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Word Processor * * * *
A word processor, or word processing program, does exactly what the name implies. It processes words. It also processes paragraphs, pages, and entire papers. Some examples of word processing programs include Microsoft Word, WordPerfect (Windows only), AppleWorks (Mac only), and OpenOffice.org.
The first word processors were basically computerized typewriters, which did little more than place characters on a screen, which could then be printed by a printer. Modern word processing programs, however, include features to customize the style of the text, change the page formatting, and may be able to add headers, footers, and page numbers to each page. Some may also include a "Word Count" option, which counts the words and characters within a document.
While all these features can be useful and fun to play with, the most significant improvement over the typewriter is the word processor's ability to make changes to a document after it has been written. By using the mouse, you can click anywhere within the text of a document and add or remove content. Since reprinting a paper is much easier than retyping it, word processing programs have make revising text documents a much more efficient process.
The term "text editor" can also be used to refer to a word processing program. However, it is more commonly used to describe basic word processing programs with limited features.