Word Processing · Computer Application

Introduction to word processing

A word processor is application software for writing, editing, formatting, saving and printing text documents. Examples are Microsoft Word, Google Docs and LibreOffice Writer. Compared with a typewriter it lets you correct mistakes without retyping, change the appearance, check spelling, add pictures and tables, and save and share the document.

Part of the window	Use
Title bar	Shows the document name
Ribbon / menu bar and toolbars	Commands: Home, Insert, Layout, References, Review, View
Ruler	Margins and indents
Document area	Where you type
Status bar	Page and word count, zoom

Creating and formatting documents

Format	Options
Character	Font type and size, bold, italic, underline, colour
Paragraph	Alignment (left, centre, right, justify), line spacing, indents, bullets and numbering
Page	Margins, orientation (portrait, landscape), page size, headers and footers, page numbers
Insert	Tables, pictures, shapes, links, page breaks

Shortcut	Action
Ctrl + S	Save
Ctrl + C / X / V	Copy / cut / paste
Ctrl + Z / Y	Undo / redo
Ctrl + B / I / U	Bold / italic / underline
Ctrl + P	Print

Typing speed

A word is taken as 5 characters. Good typists reach 40 words per minute or more.

The faster you type, the less time it takes.

Try itTyping and pages

Choose your typing speed and the number of words.

Check yourself Which shortcut saves a file?

Check yourself Aligning text to both margins is called

Check yourself The paper orientation with the long side horizontal is

Key terms

Word processor: Software for creating and editing text documents.
Formatting: Changing the appearance of text and pages.
Header: Text at the top of every page.
Margin: The blank space at the edges of a page.

Summary

A word processor writes, edits, formats, saves and prints documents.
Format characters, paragraphs and pages.
Learn the keyboard shortcuts.
Typing speed = words ÷ minutes.