Purpose of Word Processing

The main purpose of word processors is to write letters, reports, projects, books, essays, memos, curriculum vitae, resumes etc.

Advantages of Electronic Word Processors

There are numerous advantages of word processors over traditional word processors like typewriters and they include:

1. Provision of storage area
2. Its more easier and efficient because of automated features like word wrap, auto complete, auto text etc.
3. Have superior editing tools such as thesaurus , auto-correct, spelling and grammar checkers
4. Have superior document formatting features like Bolding, italics, underline, emboss etc
5. Ability to create tables and organize information in an organized manner
6. Its possible to print multiple copies
7. Produce neat work
8. Easier to deal with graphics
9. Can be reconfigured to correspond with user needs like indenting, setting gutters, paper size etc.
10. Are flexible and portable- i.e can be used from one machine to another and text format can easily be converted.

Disadvantages of Word Processors

1. Require skills to use
2. Require electric power to function
3. They are expensive to acquire

Common features in word processing and purpose

Most word processors, have the following features

1. They allow the use to create, save, edit, format and retrieve files
2. Have editing tools such as spelling checkers
3. Have predefined features such as generating headers, footers, indexes, footnotes and references
4. They can be used to create and import tables, graphics, text etc.
5. Have a user friendly layout that allows the user to do an action easier and efficiently

How to choose a correct word processor

To be able to choose a correct word processor, consider the following points:

1. Check the type of operating system you are using and check whether it can support which word processors
2. If its user friendly
3. Consider your user needs
4. Consider the cost of purchase
5. Whether it has most common features available with most word processors
6. Whether it comes with a warranty
7. Whether it has inbuilt automatic updates
8. Whether it comes with a documentation that has help and support.

Topical Questions on Topic and Answers