All About Word Processing

It Slices, It Dices, It Even Juliennes

Since the introduction of word processors to mainstream consumers in the eighties, many have thought of computers themselves as word processors. Some machines, such as the Brother word processor, have fed this misconception.

We now understand a word processor to be the program that actually handles the duties of composition. A word processor is software, like Microsoft Word Processor, or the numerous free word processors that can be downloaded at several sites on the web.

There are also a number of language specific word processors, such as Japanese word processors, Bengali word processors, even free Hebrew word processors, for languages that have characters in excess of what would have been feasible in a typewriter.

There are also a number of industry specific word processors that make previously tedious formatting much easier and less time consuming. Paralegals use specialized legal word processors that simplify the use of precedent setting cases in the development of briefs.

Graduate students have specialized word processors to assist with the construction of bibliographies that often require the use of arcane rules. Screenwriters also have their own software that formats dialog and direction in a much less tedious way.

Choosing a Word Processor

The top three word processors offer varying degrees of complexity and cost, though all too often shoppers go after what they are familiar with instead of what is appropriate for their needs. Many people use the extensive features available in the Microsoft Word Processor while others who desire the functionality but lack the pocketbook or are a bit more frugal opt for Corell’s Wordperfect.

There is also a number of free word processors that offer similar functionality for absolutely nothing. A Linux word processor or Minix word processor may cost you little or nothing but also provide you with quite a powerful tool. One of the best known and widely used is Write, which is part of the Openoffice suite of software. Write is a very stable program and offers compatibility with both Word and Wordperfect.

Another aspect of Linux based programs that is appealing to users of older machines is that they are much smaller programs than Word or Wordperfect. This means older processors can handle using newer versions of the program without crashing due to lack of memory.

Companies like Google are starting to offer online word processors. Akin to their Linux counterparts, these word processors offer powerful resources to users of older machines. They also allow for complete mobility of users without requiring reformatting issues that can arise when moving between computers and word processing programs.