Word Processing II – SS1 Data Processing Lesson Note (Third Term)

A word processor is a computer program used to create, edit, format, save and print electronic documents.

Behavioural objectives

1. Name examples of word processors and text editors.
2. State the main difference between a text editor and a word processor.
3. Create a new document in MS Word.
4. Save a document using Save As and the keyboard shortcut.
5. Name some file formats in which a document can be saved.
6. Open an existing MS Word document.

What are examples of word processors?

Examples of word processors include MS Word, WordPerfect, WordStar, LocoScript, Ami Pro, Word Craft, WordPad and OpenOffice Writer.

• MS Word: part of the Microsoft Office suite and one of the most widely used word processors in the world.
• WordPerfect: a word processor from Corel, used mainly for business and home documents.
• WordStar: an early word processor that was popular before Windows programs became common.
• WordPad: a simple word processor that comes with Windows.
• OpenOffice Writer: the word processor in the free OpenOffice suite.

What is Microsoft Word?

Microsoft Word is a word processor in the Microsoft Office suite.

• Basic functions: typing, editing, formatting, saving and printing documents.
• Desktop publishing: it can also produce leaflets, newsletters and posters.
• Integration: all Microsoft Office programs can work together.
• Excel link: an Excel worksheet can be placed inside a Word document.
• Mail merge: Word can merge with Excel lists or Access database files.

What is Corel WordPerfect Office?

Corel WordPerfect Office is a software suite built around the WordPerfect word processor.

• WordPerfect: the word processor.
• Quattro Pro: the spreadsheet program.
• Corel Presentations: the presentation program.
• WordPerfect Mail: the email program.

What is OpenOffice?

OpenOffice is a free office suite whose programs work with one another, as in Microsoft Office.

• Writer: word processor.
• Calc: spreadsheet.
• Impress: presentation program.
• Base: database.
• Draw: graphics editor.

What is a text editor?

A text editor is a simple program used to type and edit plain text.

• Design: text editors are small, simple and cheap.
• Availability: almost every operating system comes with at least one.
• File format: many editors save files as plain text, often in ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange).

What are examples of text editors?

• Notepad: the most common text editor, which comes with Windows.
• Edit: the editor that comes with the Disk Operating System (DOS).
• SimpleText: the editor that comes with older Macintosh computers.

What is the difference between a text editor and a word processor?

A word processor has many features for formatting and decorating text, while a text editor handles plain text with very few features.

How do you create a Word document?

You create a Word document by opening Microsoft Word from the Start menu and typing in the blank page.

1. Click the Start icon to display the Start menu.
2. Click the Microsoft Word icon.
3. Choose Blank document if Word shows a list of templates.
4. Type your text in the empty document.

• Shortcut for a new document: press Ctrl + N when Word is already open.

How do you save a document?

You save a document by choosing File, then Save As, typing a name and clicking Save.

1. Start a new document in Word and type your text.
2. Click File in the top left-hand corner of the screen.
3. Choose Save As. A “Save As” dialogue box comes up and shows the folder where the file will be saved.
4. Type the name of your document.
5. Click Save.

• Shortcut: press Ctrl + S to save quickly.
• Save: updates a file that already has a name.
• Save As: saves a file with a new name, in a new folder or in a different format.

What are the saving formats?

A file format is the way a document is stored, and you choose it according to what you want to use the file for.

1. Click the down arrow beside the file type or “Save in” section of the dialogue box.
2. A drop-down menu appears.
3. Choose the file format you want.
4. Click Save.

How do you open an MS Word document?

You open an existing Word document by choosing File, then Open, and selecting the file.

1. On the menu bar, click File and then click Open.
2. Click the folder where the file is stored.
3. Click the file you want.
4. Click Open.

• Shortcut: press Ctrl + O to display the Open dialogue box.

Evaluation

1. What is a word processor?
2. Name three examples of word processors and two examples of text editors.
3. State one difference between a text editor and a word processor.
4. What keyboard shortcut can you use to save a document?
5. List two file formats in which a Word document can be saved.

Assignment

1. In your notebook, write the steps to create a new MS Word document, save it with Save As, and open it again. Then list two file formats in which it can be saved.