LECTURE 4: WORD PROCESSING

4.1. Introduction
Word processing is one of the most popular application software for creating letters, project
reports, articles and several office documents like memos. Word processing is a process of
creating documents using a word processor. Examples of word processors include Ami pro,
notepad, word pad, Microsoft word. In this course we will use Microsoft word, a propriety
product from Microsoft. There are several versions of this software e.g. Ms word 2000, Ms
word 2007, Ms word 2010 e.t.c. We will be using Ms word 2007.

Features of word processors

1. Wordwrap: For creating automatic arrangement of text in lines of specified length
without the necessity of touching the return key.
2. Alignment: A feature used for positioning text or numbers to specified margin and tab
settings.
3. Decimal Alignment: A feature used for positioning columns of numbers with the
decimal points vertically aligned.
4. Indents: A feature for setting of temporary margins within a document differing from
the primary margins used.
5. Insertion: A feature for setting mode for the entry of new text within previously typed
material without erasing the existing material.
6. Overwriting: A feature for setting mode for entry of text by substitution of new text for
old by typing over the old text.
7. Deletion: A feature for erasing of text from the screen, or of whole documents from the
disk.
8. Search and Replace: A feature for moving directly to specified words or parts of words
within a document and replacing them with different words or word portions.
9. Copying or Cutting: A feature that allows duplication or moving of blocks of text within
a document.
10. Pagination: A feature that allows automatic division of a document into pages of
specified numbers of lines.
11. Page Numbering: A feature for automatic sequential numbering of pages.
12. Headers and Footers: A feature for creating standard blocks of text that will
automatically appear at the top or bottom of each page in a document.
13. Footnoting: A feature for inserting sequential numbering of footnotes and positioning
of the footnotes at the bottom of their appropriate pages during pagination.
14. Table of Contents and Index Generators: A feature that creates table of contents and/or
indexes based on the text of a document.
15. Form Letter Merging: A feature used to create, edit and combine a form letter with a
mailing list to generate multiple copies of the letter with the different addresses and
other variable information filled in.
 16. Automatic Spelling Checker and Corrector: A feature that compares words in the text
against an on-line dictionary, flagging items not found in the dictionary and offering
alternative spellings and a means of correcting the errors.

4.5. LAUNCHING WORD

There are several ways for launching Microsoft word.
Method 1.
• To start Ms word 2007
• Start
• Point to programs
• Point to Ms office
• Click Microsoft word 2007
• The program opens with a new document.

Method 2.
• To start Ms word 2007
• Start
• Click Microsoft word 2007
• The program opens with a new document.

Method 3.
• From the desk top
• Double click
• The program opens with a new document.