word processing

word processing use of a computer program or a dedicated hardware and software package to write, edit, format, and print a document. Text is most commonly entered using a keyboard similar to a typewriter's, although handwritten input (see pen-based computer ) and audio input (as for dictation) devices have been introduced.

Word processors have various functions that allow a person to revise text without retyping an entire document. As the text is entered or after it has been retrieved, sections ranging from words and sentences to paragraphs and pages can be moved, copied, deleted, altered, and added to while displayed. As word processors have become more sophisticated, such functions as word counting, spell checking, footnoting, and index generation have been added. In addition, a document's format—type size, line spacing, margins, page length, and the like—usually can be easily altered. To aid in these alterations, the text is displayed as it will appear when printed with indented paragraphs and lists, multiple columns, tables, etc; this is called a what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) display.

Word processors are distinguished from text editors and desktop publishing systems. Text editors are designed for creating and editing computer programs. While they have features found in simple word processors, such as search and replace, that make the entry and editing of words and numbers easier, text editors provide only the most primitive facilities for text formatting and printing. Desktop publishers may include only simple word processing features but provide enhanced formatting functions, such as routines for merging text and graphics into complex page layouts.

word processing A facility that enables users to compose documents using a computer with facilities to edit, re-format, store, and print documents with maximum flexibility. A typical word-processing system consists of a personal computer running a word-processing program, and an associated printer, such as an inkjet printer, capable of producing high-quality output of many different text fonts as well as diagrams and pictures.

The systems available today fall into three main categories: stand-alone systems supporting one operator; networked systems enabling several operators to share printers and files; hybrid systems attached to a central mainframe or minicomputer and able to perform additional functions. The following features are generally provided.$B Document creation and editing, including the ability to insert, delete, copy, and move text around in a document; $B include text and/or graphics from other files; $B search for and replace strings in the document. $B Checking of spelling according to general and specialist dictionary files. $B Document formatting and printing using a choice of paper sizes and formats with multiple copies as required. $B Text justification to specified margins with automatic hyphenation. $B Ability to create a document from a standard template, e.g. one containing a company letter heading. $B Use of alternative character sets such as bold, italic, underlined. $B Layout of tables, figures, etc. $B Substitution of variable information when printing the document, for easy production of form letters, etc.