Word Processing Software

Word processing software is a computer program used for creating and editing text documents. Specifically the word processing software allows the user to create documents, store them electronically, display stored documents, modify documents or print hard copies. A simplistic comparison is the typewriter metaphor. Word processors have numerous advantages over traditional typewriters, however, not least the ability to easily make amendments without the need to retype the document, or touch up with correction fluid. It is also easy to ‘cut and paste’ sentences or entire paragraphs to change the order to flow better. Many word processors also include spelling and grammar checks and correctors, to ensure that the completed document is accurate before it is printed or submitted.

The term ‘word processor’ was first defined by IBM to define the transformation of ideas into printed documents. However, by the early seventies the term was used in a more specific way to define ‘automated typewriters’ capable of data storage, retrieval, editing and reproduction. Word processing was one of the first applications for office computers, and is still undoubtedly one of the most common applications of computer technology.

Modern word processors have progressed significantly from their early incarnations. Word processing packages make use of user-friendly graphical interfaces and drop-down menus to make navigating the array of options simple. Many word processors also have added functionality, enabling them to import images or to use graphical text styles. In other words, they are gaining some of the functionality of DTP (desktop publishing) software.

Without doubt, the most well know and widely used word processor is ‘Microsoft Word’, utilised by an estimated five-hundred-million people. Alternatives include Corel’s WordPerfect, Microsoft Works, or open source packages like OpenOffice’s ‘Writer’ program. All of these programs have very similar features, and the choice of program comes down largely to personal preference. It should be noted that Microsoft products are commonly distributed with new Windows computers, meaning that they are widely distributed for ‘free’, which could be why these programs enjoy such a wide user-base.

WordPerfect was a very popular package during the 1980’s and early 1990’s, but almost as soon as Microsoft Word was released onto the market, its share almost disappeared. This was largely because WordPerfect was initially released on the DOS platform, and was not released for Windows until 1991, when Word was already in its second Windows edition. The company behind WordPerfect say that Microsoft acted in an uncompetitive way because Windows did not support many of WordPerfect’s features or made them obsolete, resulting in their loss of market share.

In comparison, Microsoft Word has enjoyed huge market share. Now in its 11th Windows incarnation as Microsoft Office Word 2007, and 10th for the Mac (Word 2008), it has been hugely popular with users and its .doc file type has become the de facto standard for text documents. Sun Microsystems first released its open source alternative to these commercial programs in 2000. Known as ‘writer’ and part of the OpenOffice suite of applications, it is provided completely free of charge and boasts many useful features (like the ability to produce PDF documents), which were lacking from its commercial rivals until the latest versions. It is also able to open and save documents in Microsoft Word’s .doc format. For obvious reasons, this program is growing in popularity and is available for all major operating systems. More information is available from openoffice.org.