Word Processors

Word processors can range from anything as simple as a text editor (like MicroSoft Edit which comes with MS DOS) to high quality programs like MicroSoft Word, Word Perfect and general-purpose programs like Claris Works or MicroSoft Works to publishing programs (discussed in the "publishing software" section).

The type of word processing which most editors and word processors do are essays, letters, memos and small instructional documents.

Types of Output

Some programs simply give you 80 columns by 66 lines of text on a page with either none or minimal formatting options (these are usually simple text editors).

Some still give you the limitation of monospaced (typewriter style) simplistic output but with a lot of formatting commands. These are the older word processors from the early 1980's.

Finally, many newer programs give you a "What You See Is What You Get" (WYSIWYG) display on the screen with many character types (fonts), sizes and styles. Most of these programs for PC's require MS Windows to run and also take up a lot of space, but the high-quality output (especially using a laser or ink jet printer) and easy to use interface can be worth it.

I discuss publishing programs under the "fliers, posters and newsletters" section.