Word-processing software is the most commonly used computer application. Computers loaded with word-processing software have all but replaced typewriters for text-oriented tasks, although the typewriter still has a niche in the completion of non-computerized forms. Today’s word processors, however, are capable of doing far more than even the most advanced electronic typewriter. In addition to creating, editing, and printing documents, these software packages are capable of desktop publishing, creating and editing graphics, and developing web pages. Combined with a relatively inexpensive color ink-jet printer, word-processing software packages are also powerful tools for creating full-color transparencies, classroom signs and posters, customized certificates and awards, and even personalized stickers and buttons. Of course, they are also essential tools for creating tests, student worksheets, and memos. Unlike most typewriters, word-processing programs maintain large amounts of data in an electronic format until it is ready to print out. This allows educators to store and easily update or modify the many documents they use in the daily administrative tasks that are a part of every educator’s job. Word processing offers educators a way to easily file and access electronic documents and then to modify and update them with little effort. Furthermore, word processors typically include a built-in capacity to check grammar and spelling and an interactive thesaurus, which make this software application a valuable tool for every educator.
Most word-processing packages share several significant and useful features. These can be broadly grouped in terms of the word-processing functions they enhance. These functions include document preparation and editing, desktop publishing, and archiving and printing. On your Companion CD, each of these functions is explored. As you try each of the word-processing exercises, you will experience and practice the unique and powerful functions built into one of the today’s most popular word processors, Microsoft Word. Most word processors include the ability to manipulate the look of a page. By using this feature, an attractive arrangement of graphics and text on a page can be created and manipulated with a few clicks of the mouse button. Although word processors can perform some desktop publishing tasks, they cannot perform the extensive adjustments to page displays that dedicated desktop publishing software can make.
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