Word processing software что это

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A word processor (WP)^[1][2] is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting, and output of text, often with some additional features.

Early word processors were stand-alone devices dedicated to the function, but current word processors are word processor programs running on general purpose computers.

The functions of a word processor program fall somewhere between those of a simple text editor and a fully functioned desktop publishing program. However, the distinctions between these three have changed over time and were unclear after 2010.^[3][4]

Background[edit]

Word processors did not develop out of computer technology. Rather, they evolved from mechanical machines and only later did they merge with the computer field.^[5] The history of word processing is the story of the gradual automation of the physical aspects of writing and editing, and then to the refinement of the technology to make it available to corporations and Individuals.

The term word processing appeared in American offices in early 1970s centered on the idea of streamlining the work to typists, but the meaning soon shifted toward the automation of the whole editing cycle.

At first, the designers of word processing systems combined existing technologies with emerging ones to develop stand-alone equipment, creating a new business distinct from the emerging world of the personal computer. The concept of word processing arose from the more general data processing, which since the 1950s had been the application of computers to business administration.^[6]

Through history, there have been three types of word processors: mechanical, electronic and software.

Mechanical word processing[edit]

The first word processing device (a «Machine for Transcribing Letters» that appears to have been similar to a typewriter) was patented by Henry Mill for a machine that was capable of «writing so clearly and accurately you could not distinguish it from a printing press».^[7] More than a century later, another patent appeared in the name of William Austin Burt for the typographer. In the late 19th century, Christopher Latham Sholes^[8] created the first recognizable typewriter although it was a large size, which was described as a «literary piano».^[9]

The only «word processing» these mechanical systems could perform was to change where letters appeared on the page, to fill in spaces that were previously left on the page, or to skip over lines. It was not until decades later that the introduction of electricity and electronics into typewriters began to help the writer with the mechanical part. The term “word processing” (translated from the German word Textverarbeitung) itself was created in the 1950s by Ulrich Steinhilper, a German IBM typewriter sales executive. However, it did not make its appearance in 1960s office management or computing literature (an example of grey literature), though many of the ideas, products, and technologies to which it would later be applied were already well known. Nonetheless, by 1971 the term was recognized by the New York Times^[10] as a business «buzz word». Word processing paralleled the more general «data processing», or the application of computers to business administration.

Thus by 1972 discussion of word processing was common in publications devoted to business office management and technology, and by the mid-1970s the term would have been familiar to any office manager who consulted business periodicals.

Electromechanical and electronic word processing[edit]

By the late 1960s, IBM had developed the IBM MT/ST (Magnetic Tape/Selectric Typewriter). This was a model of the IBM Selectric typewriter from the earlier part of this decade, but it came built into its own desk, integrated with magnetic tape recording and playback facilities along with controls and a bank of electrical relays. The MT/ST automated word wrap, but it had no screen. This device allowed a user to rewrite text that had been written on another tape, and it also allowed limited collaboration in the sense that a user could send the tape to another person to let them edit the document or make a copy. It was a revolution for the word processing industry. In 1969, the tapes were replaced by magnetic cards. These memory cards were inserted into an extra device that accompanied the MT/ST, able to read and record users’ work.

In the early 1970s, word processing began to slowly shift from glorified typewriters augmented with electronic features to become fully computer-based (although only with single-purpose hardware) with the development of several innovations. Just before the arrival of the personal computer (PC), IBM developed the floppy disk. In the early 1970s, the first word-processing systems appeared which allowed display and editing of documents on CRT screens.

During this era, these early stand-alone word processing systems were designed, built, and marketed by several pioneering companies. Linolex Systems was founded in 1970 by James Lincoln and Robert Oleksiak. Linolex based its technology on microprocessors, floppy drives and software. It was a computer-based system for application in the word processing businesses and it sold systems through its own sales force. With a base of installed systems in over 500 sites, Linolex Systems sold 3 million units in 1975 — a year before the Apple computer was released.^[11]

At that time, the Lexitron Corporation also produced a series of dedicated word-processing microcomputers. Lexitron was the first to use a full-sized video display screen (CRT) in its models by 1978. Lexitron also used 51⁄4 inch floppy diskettes, which became the standard in the personal computer field. The program disk was inserted in one drive, and the system booted up. The data diskette was then put in the second drive. The operating system and the word processing program were combined in one file.^[12]

Another of the early word processing adopters was Vydec, which created in 1973 the first modern text processor, the «Vydec Word Processing System». It had built-in multiple functions like the ability to share content by diskette and print it.^{[further explanation needed]} The Vydec Word Processing System sold for $12,000 at the time, (about $60,000 adjusted for inflation).^[13]

The Redactron Corporation (organized by Evelyn Berezin in 1969) designed and manufactured editing systems, including correcting/editing typewriters, cassette and card units, and eventually a word processor called the Data Secretary. The Burroughs Corporation acquired Redactron in 1976.^[14]

A CRT-based system by Wang Laboratories became one of the most popular systems of the 1970s and early 1980s. The Wang system displayed text on a CRT screen, and incorporated virtually every fundamental characteristic of word processors as they are known today. While early computerized word processor system were often expensive and hard to use (that is, like the computer mainframes of the 1960s), the Wang system was a true office machine, affordable to organizations such as medium-sized law firms, and easily mastered and operated by secretarial staff.

The phrase «word processor» rapidly came to refer to CRT-based machines similar to Wang’s. Numerous machines of this kind emerged, typically marketed by traditional office-equipment companies such as IBM, Lanier (AES Data machines — re-badged), CPT, and NBI. All were specialized, dedicated, proprietary systems, with prices in the $10,000 range. Cheap general-purpose personal computers were still the domain of hobbyists.

Japanese word processor devices[edit]

In Japan, even though typewriters with Japanese writing system had widely been used for businesses and governments, they were limited to specialists who required special skills due to the wide variety of letters, until computer-based devices came onto the market. In 1977, Sharp showcased a prototype of a computer-based word processing dedicated device with Japanese writing system in Business Show in Tokyo.^[15][16]

Toshiba released the first Japanese word processor JW-10 in February 1979.^[17] The price was 6,300,000 JPY, equivalent to US$45,000. This is selected as one of the milestones of IEEE.^[18]

The Japanese writing system uses a large number of kanji (logographic Chinese characters) which require 2 bytes to store, so having one key per each symbol is infeasible. Japanese word processing became possible with the development of the Japanese input method (a sequence of keypresses, with visual feedback, which selects a character) — now widely used in personal computers. Oki launched OKI WORD EDITOR-200 in March 1979 with this kana-based keyboard input system. In 1980 several electronics and office equipment brands entered this rapidly growing market with more compact and affordable devices. While the average unit price in 1980 was 2,000,000 JPY (US$14,300), it was dropped to 164,000 JPY (US$1,200) in 1985.^[19] Even after personal computers became widely available, Japanese word processors remained popular as they tended to be more portable (an «office computer» was initially too large to carry around), and become necessities in business and academics, even for private individuals in the second half of the 1980s.^[20] The phrase «word processor» has been abbreviated as «Wa-pro» or «wapuro» in Japanese.

Word processing software[edit]

The final step in word processing came with the advent of the personal computer in the late 1970s and 1980s and with the subsequent creation of word processing software. Word processing software that would create much more complex and capable output was developed and prices began to fall, making them more accessible to the public. By the late 1970s, computerized word processors were still primarily used by employees composing documents for large and midsized businesses (e.g., law firms and newspapers). Within a few years, the falling prices of PCs made word processing available for the first time to all writers in the convenience of their homes.

The first word processing program for personal computers (microcomputers) was Electric Pencil, from Michael Shrayer Software, which went on sale in December 1976. In 1978 WordStar appeared and because of its many new features soon dominated the market. However, WordStar was written for the early CP/M (Control Program–Micro) operating system, and by the time it was rewritten for the newer MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System), it was obsolete. Suddenly, WordPerfect dominated the word processing programs during the DOS era, while there was a large variety of less successful programs.

Early word processing software was not as intuitive as word processor devices. Most early word processing software required users to memorize semi-mnemonic key combinations rather than pressing keys such as «copy» or «bold». Moreover, CP/M lacked cursor keys; for example WordStar used the E-S-D-X-centered «diamond» for cursor navigation. However, the price differences between dedicated word processors and general-purpose PCs, and the value added to the latter by software such as “killer app” spreadsheet applications, e.g. VisiCalc and Lotus 1-2-3, were so compelling that personal computers and word processing software became serious competition for the dedicated machines and soon dominated the market.

Then in the late 1980s innovations such as the advent of laser printers, a «typographic» approach to word processing (WYSIWYG — What You See Is What You Get), using bitmap displays with multiple fonts (pioneered by the Xerox Alto computer and Bravo word processing program), and graphical user interfaces such as “copy and paste” (another Xerox PARC innovation, with the Gypsy word processor). These were popularized by MacWrite on the Apple Macintosh in 1983, and Microsoft Word on the IBM PC in 1984. These were probably the first true WYSIWYG word processors to become known to many people.
Of particular interest also is the standardization of TrueType fonts used in both Macintosh and Windows PCs. While the publishers of the operating systems provide TrueType typefaces, they are largely gathered from traditional typefaces converted by smaller font publishing houses to replicate standard fonts. Demand for new and interesting fonts, which can be found free of copyright restrictions, or commissioned from font designers, occurred.

The growing popularity of the Windows operating system in the 1990s later took Microsoft Word along with it. Originally called «Microsoft Multi-Tool Word», this program quickly became a synonym for “word processor”.

From early in the 21st century Google Docs popularized the transition to online or offline web browser based word processing, this was enabled by the widespread adoption of suitable internet connectivity in businesses and domestic households and later the popularity of smartphones. Google Docs enabled word processing from within any vendor’s web browser, which could run on any vendor’s operating system on any physical device type including tablets and smartphones, although offline editing is limited to a few Chromium based web browsers. Google Docs also enabled the significant growth of use of information technology such as remote access to files and collaborative real-time editing, both becoming simple to do with little or no need for costly software and specialist IT support.

See also[edit]

• List of word processors
• Formatted text

References[edit]

Word processing software helps you manipulate a text document and create or edit a text document.

A quality word processing software can also provide output options such as printing or exporting a text document into other formats.

Without word processing software, you would have difficulty processing paragraphs, pages, and even papers.

Not many people know that early word processing software was standalone devices, but word processors come as lightweight software that’s easy to install with technological advancements.

Another great advantage of word processing software is that it allows you to store documents electronically, display them across screens, or fully modify documents before printing them.

Even though word processing software isn’t complex to learn, it might take a bit of time to learn how to take full advantage of the software with so many functions.

Also, keep in mind that some word processing software comes from the office bundle that includes other processing software.

In this article, you’ll learn more about word processing software and see 15 of the best examples.

Whether you’re a writer, editor, or only need quality word processing software to prepare your documents pre-printing, at least one of these 15 software will be a good pick!

Even though most word processing software has similar features and offers similar benefits, the small but significant differences between these word processing software examples can make a huge difference for personal use.

1. Microsoft Word

The most known word processing software is Microsoft Word, and chances are high you’ve used it at least on one occasion to process or create text documents.

Word is the most known word processing software because the creator of Windows creates it and it often comes integrated with the Windows operating system.

However, Word is also known for the benefits it offers. Improved search and navigational experience combined with the ability to work with others simultaneously are just some of the benefits.

Along with that, Word gives you the ability to access, share, and work on your documents from almost anywhere.

With plenty of options to create, edit, and process text, Word also has additional visual effects, turning text into diagrams, and combining visual aspects into text documents.

Instant help when creating documents is another great integration that especially helps writers. Exporting and having document flexibility is helpful when producing specific documents for your studies or work, and it’s just one of many benefits of Word.

2. iWork Pages

iWork Pages is a must-have word processing software for Apple users. Even though Microsoft Word is available for macOS, iWork is a great native alternative that helps Apple users process, create, and work with word documents.

iWork Pages was previously known as AppleWorks, and it is part of the official Apple iWork suite.

Not only Pages can help you create documents, but they can also help you to collaborate with others efficiently, create animated documents from your data, and even build interactive charts from your text.

What’s great about Pages is that it comes with built-in help and sample formulas, so you don’t always have to create a document from scratch. Instead, you can use templates or benefit from function suggestions to improve the way you work.

With over 30 spreadsheet templates, you won’t have to create text documents from scratch unless you enjoy creating your work from scratch. Templates can help you spend less time formatting and creating the basics of your document and yet leave you with more time to focus on your text.

3. OpenOffice Writer

Among the paid word processing software, there are a couple of free gems such as OpenOffice.

OpenOffice is a free and open productivity suite that includes Writer, the perfect software for word processing.

Whether you’re trying to draft a quick letter or working on complex text documents (maybe even writing a book), the writer is a reliable and fully equipped word processing software to handle all needed tasks.

What’s great about Writer is that it is very easy to use, so you won’t have to spend hours learning the ins and outs of the software to take full advantage of it.

Instead, you will be able to focus on producing documents of all types and letting Writer help you along the way.

With built-in features such as AutoCorrect or AutoComplete, you can quickly write your documents without having to worry about making mistakes.

Along with these two features, OpenOffice Writer comes with a table of contents, references, multi-page display, and notes to help you annotate and review documents, as well as create well-structured text documents.

Lastly, exporting isn’t going to be a problem since Writer can help you export your text document into other formats such as HTML, PDF, or even .odt.

Also, keep in mind that OpenOffice provides templates you can download and use with Writer to make your drafts easier.

4. WordPerfect

WordPerfect is described as the Microsoft Office alternative. It is an all-in-one suite that focuses on productivity and efficiency when working with digital documents (especially text documents).

Inside the WordPerfect Office, you will have access to a neat and efficient word processor that can help you quickly draft new documents, create letters or brochures, write resumes, and even start writing a book.

What’s so special about WordPerfect is that it supports collaboration with about 60 file formats, so you can import and export documents from any third-party software.

With the help of Reveal Codes, WordPerfect provides seamless formatting after you import documents from any source.

And if you’re looking to “spice up” your text documents, you can do so easily with the help of built-in PDF forms into this powerful and versatile word processing software.

5. FocusWriter

If you spend a lot of time writing documents in your word processing software, and yet you find it hard to concentrate and focus on the words, FocusWriter is a great pick.

FocusWriter is a very simple word processing software that utilizes a versatile interface hidden away from the most important part of the software. This way, you can focus on the page and text, and whenever you need to use any integrated feature, all you have to do is swipe your cursor across the edges to open the hidden menu.

With integrated features such as timers, alarms, daily goals, fully customizable themes, and even the ability to use typewriter sound effects, this word processing software will help you stay on track and get things done.

Along with these features, FocusWriter has optional features such as live statistics, spell-checking, and even the ability to use FocusWriter in 20 different languages.

These features aim to improve the user experience and make word processing tasks fun and more productive since you can set your own goals.

This is a word processing software that adds improved features that aren’t very common among its competitors.

6. LibreOffice Writer

When you are a very organized person and need word processing software that will match this, LibreOffice Writer is worth trying.

LibreOffice Writer is a modern word processing software that ensures you can edit any document quickly with the help of integrated features.

Therefore, Writer is good enough for doing quick and simple edits. Still, it’s also more than enough to finish books, edit many content pages, add diagrams, and even feature indexes into your documents.

The user interface is very neat and even though there are many features they’re hidden away so you can focus on the most important aspect of word processing: the text.

7. AbiWord

When you require a very similar word processing software to Word, and yet you’re on a budget, AbiWord is a good choice.

AbiWord is compatible with the latest operating systems and interface-wise, it is very similar to Microsoft Word. Even though it’s not the “prettiest” word processing software, it has everything you might need to get the work done efficiently, and it won’t cost you a penny.

With compatibility to work with all standard text documents, AbiWord also allows you to share your documents with others easily or even merge your letters directly with your email.

Even though AbiWord might not have all features other word processing software include, AbiWord is built on the extensible plugin architecture, so you can always find plugins to include features you might be missing.

On top of that, I should mention that AbiWord is available in 30 different languages, and it is still getting updates so that you won’t be relying on an outdated version.

8. WPS Word

WPS offers a suite similar to Microsoft Office that includes three components: the Word, Excel, and Presentation.

Word is a word processing software that is highly compatible with almost all compatible document formats, and it is even compatible with all operations systems.

Creating documents from scratch with Word is very simple, and yet with standard formatting tools everyone is familiar with, editing documents is even easier.

On top of that, Word includes many extras that are rarely found in other word processing software, such as hundreds of document templates. Therefore, if you don’t feel like creating documents from scratch, basing your documents on pre-existing templates can save you a lot of time and work.

Combining media with text is highly possible, and viewing multiple documents simultaneously improves efficiency when working with multiple documents.

With collaboration tools, password protection for chosen documents, and automatic spell-checking tools, you can easily get your work done without worrying about accuracy.

9. Polaris Docs

Polaris Office is a combination of tools that includes Docs, a highly versatile version that’s very similar to a combination of Microsoft Word and Google Docs.

It’s a very versatile word processing software that allows you to work on your documents wherever you are.

Not only is it available as computer software, but it also has a dedicated web browser version and even the app version suitable for Android and iOS smartphones.

Collaboration is guaranteed with such versatility, and when it comes down to getting the work done, Polaris Docs supports all types of documents, including sheets, slides, and more.

Saved documents can be worked on in groups, meaning that more than one person can edit the document in real-time. And if you ever decide to collaborate on a document with someone, you can invite them with a link and keep the communication open with an integrated chat in the Polaris Docs.

Feature-wise, Polaris Docs is packed with the most standard features you would expect from a word processing software, and yet the main improvement is the way you can collaborate with others and work on the same document in real-time.

10. Writemonkey

If you search for a word processing document that will leave you on your own with your words and yet will hide all functionalities in a very minimalistic and simple interface, Writemonkey makes a great choice.

Writemonkey might look like a coding interface at first, but it is a stripped-down word processing software that helps you focus on your writing.

Of course, Writemonkey is also ideal for making quick edits and even reading.

This is probably one of the lightest and smallest word processing software that is very easy to install and even easier to get used to.

What’s also great is that you have full control over the interface to customize it to your needs. On top of that, you can set timed writing or even feature a visual progress bar to make your writing work feel like a breeze.

And if you ever end up missing something in Writemonkey, you can always introduce third-party upgrades to this word processing software via plugins.

11. Dropbox Paper

When you need a versatile, reliable, and quick word processing software that’s perhaps web-based, Dropbox Paper is worth considering.

Dropbox Paper is a lightweight web-based word processing software that allows simple editing and collaboration between teams.

With Dropbox Paper, you can create documents from scratch or import existing documents to easily track any edits or changes made by your team members. On top of that, with this light word processing software, you can keep everything organized, ensure feedback is properly given, and even improve your documents.

You can do almost everything in Dropbox Paper that you would do in other word processing software. However, Paper can also serve as a co-editing software.

Whether you’re trying to improve communication in your team, improve collaboration between team members, or you’re writing a book with your partner, Paper is the place to stay productive, organized, and efficient.

12. Scribus

If you require professional word processing software to handle your business/work documents or edit and prepare your book for publishing, Scribus is a great choice.

Even though it’s a bit different from standard word processing software, Scribus allows you to choose one of the designed layouts, set your typesetting, and even improve your written documents with professional-looking quality images.

With Scribus, you can also create animations that you can place directly inside your document, or you can turn your text documents into interactive PDF presentations.

On top of that, the creation of forms or questionnaires is very simple. With OpenType support, you can now edit your existing documents with advanced features such as advanced typography.

While Scribus is a great fit for simple editing and personal documents, it excels at creating magazine covers, newspaper front pages, preparing the books for publishing, and even manufacturing artwork.

It might not be the standard word processing software most people are looking for, but it will fit professional needs easily for a very fair price.

13. SoftMaker FreeOffice TextMaker

When you need a simple word processing software, SoftMaker FreeOffice is a great stepping stone that won’t cost you anything, and yet it includes almost everything you might need for personal or business use.

In the FreeOffice, you will get TextMaker included. TextMaker is a small but efficient word processing software that allows you to create all types of documents and edit existing documents that you can easily import.

What’s unique about TextMaker is that it doesn’t only focus on written documents. Instead, it also offers great features for processing words on graphics. Therefore, you can use TextMaker to create great text for your images, logos, or even banners.

With many different fonts, styles, and even wrapping options, TextMaker will make all your graphics look professional and attractive yet easy to read.

Since TextMaker can import almost all types of documents, you can also export your work in the most standard formats, such as Word DOC and DOCX. However, what’s also great about TextMaker is that it allows you to create PDF files from your documents.

You can even create an EPUB eBook with the help of TextMaker, which is a great feature, considering that SoftMaker provides the TextMaker for free.

14. Zoho Docs Writer

Zoho Docs Writer is a perfect example of an online word processing software that is easy to use and easy to access. Yet, in return, you will get very reliable and advanced features you can use on any of your documents.

The writer allows you to focus on your words in a distraction-free interface, yet you can work with others in an effortless document sharing.

With the most standard features, you would expect a word processing software packed in the interface you can access via the web browser and even get unlimited versions of your document.

These versions help you compare differences and find differences after collaboration with others.

One of the most advanced yet convenient features is publishing your documents directly (if you are a content creator).

If not, Zoho Docs Writer can help you electronically sign documents and even fill out PDF forms (or edit PDFs) without a problem.

15. Google Docs

Suppose you are not a fan of standalone word processing documents or don’t consider your computer reliable enough for your work. In that case, Google Docs is one of the most reliable web-based word processing software than most others in this space that you can get your hands on.

Along with the Sheets, Slides, and Forms, Docs allows you to not only create documents from scratch or import and edit existing documents, but it also allows you to store all your documents in the cloud for free.

You can easily access your documents from any device, as long as you’re signed in to your Google account, and yet you will easily get used to the functionality and features of the Docs.

On top of that, Docs is very flexible, so you can export them in many different formats just the way you can import documents. However, one thing to keep in mind is that you will need an internet connection at all times to access your documents or work on them.

Conclusion

Even though Microsoft Word is one of the most known word processing software globally, there is much other software that is as good and worth giving it a try.

One couldn’t do without quality word processing software, but you even get the chance to find the one that will fit your needs the most with so many choices.

Even though each one of these is similar, there are differences in the interface, functionality, and even features that the software provides.

With that being said, you can easily choose according to your needs and purpose, which I highly recommend!

Since the invention of the typewriter, people have moved away from writing things out by hand in favor of word processing tools.

Nowadays, it’s hard for people or businesses to get work done without an electronic word processor. Tons of options exist, from simple solutions to expansive programs with hundreds of features.

Below, we’ll define in detail what a word processor is and briefly recount the history of this kind of software. Then, we’ll explore the benefits of using an online word processor and take a look at the key features your choice should come with.

What is word processing software?

Word processing software, also called word processors, are any computer programs or devices that let you input, delete, edit, adjust the formatting of, and generally manipulate text and data.

German IBM typewriter sales executive Ulrich Steinhilper coined the term “word processing” in the 1950s.

The most prominent example of a word processing program is Microsoft Word. Cloud-based apps like Google Docs are also popular because of their benefits, but we’ll discuss those later.

As mentioned, word processing software forms the bedrock of most modern work and communications today.

Without it, we’d still write by hand or, at best, use a typewriter.

A brief history of the word processor

Before word processing software, we had typewriters, which were considered the first word processors. The first recognizable typewriter was invented in the late 1800s by Christopher Latham Sholes.

(Image Source)

Here’s a fun fact: you can trace the lineage of word processors back to these machines — not computer programs.

Throughout the 1960s, companies like IBM innovated by adding electronic features to mechanical typewriters. Then, software came along in the late 1970s and early 1980s — Electric Pencil being the first for home computers.

A basic word processor program called WordStar dominated the market in the 1980s, but several competitors, including Microsoft Word, came along and unseated WordStar.

MS Word eventually became the dominant program, alongside the rest of the Microsoft Office suite, thanks to the growing popularity of Windows OS throughout the 1990s.

Many more innovations came along in the 2000s, such as formatting, spell checking, and even grammar checking features.

But in 2006, the world changed with the first widely popular cloud-based word processing program, Google Docs.

Google created Google Docs after acquiring Upstartle, the creator of cloud-based word processor Writely. At this point, you were no longer limited to your personal computer — you could work on documents from anywhere.

Today, plenty of word processing programs, including Microsoft Word, have moved to the cloud.

We also now have word processors built into larger cloud-based platforms, such as monday.com’s new Docs feature.

Get started with monday.com

Why should I get a cloud-based word processing solution?

Throughout the 2000s, word processing software was generally desktop-based.

Google’s acquisition of Upstartle began the explosion of cloud-based word processing programs.

Today, cloud-based programs have plenty of benefits over traditional word processor tools. Here’s a look at 4 of the big ones:

Availability

Online word processors let you work from anywhere with the proper device and an internet connection. This is vital in the age of remote work.

These cloud-based programs let you write, edit, comment, collaborate, and do other word processing tasks from anywhere — the office, home, your favorite coffee shop, or even the other side of the world.

No need to have a computer, as most word processors offer mobile versions, too.

Collaboration

Traditional word processors only let one person on at a time.

Collaboration in these programs involves tracking lots of changes and constantly sending emails between teammates.

It’s really easy to lose the most updated version of a document in a sea of messages — not to mention the time wasted in sending so many emails and the inbox clutter.

Cloud-based software eliminates this issue because multiple people can be in the same doc at once.

Plus, features like commenting help teams communicate on specific items.

​​

Storage safety

Everyone knows the pain of working on a document for hours just for the computer to freeze and realizing you hadn’t hit save.

Yet, even if you do save, a crashing computer could result in you losing that document.

In the past, you needed to routinely back up your computer or keep copies of documents on USB drives. Of course, it was pretty easy to lose those USB drives and find them later in your washing machine.

These are no longer significant worries with the cloud at your back.

Cloud-based programs store everything, well, in the cloud. No more lost or broken thumb drives.

Many also autosave every time you make a change, so no need to worry about “I forgot to click save.”

User interface and intuitiveness

Many cloud-based word processing apps are designed with multiple devices and mobile apps in mind.

The companies behind these, therefore, put intuitive UI at the forefront of their efforts during development.

Programs like monday.com’s Docs don’t take too long to figure out, and everything is right where you’d expect it to be. They’re designed to make learning them simple and finding things quick.

Plus, they come with plenty of documentation in case anything confuses you.

What features should I look for in a modern word processor?

Word processing is foundational to your ability to get work done. You shouldn’t take picking one for your organization lightly.

Here are some features to look for:

1. The actual word processing features

First and foremost — your app should be excellent at its main job: word processing.

Being able to type words on a page isn’t enough. You should have plenty of formatting and customization options at your fingertips.

Here’s an example of text that someone is customizing the format of in monday.com’s Docs app:

Beyond that, being able to add video and images is key.

In monday.com Docs, you can add and then customize these just like if they were text.

2. Cloud-based mobile app

As mentioned before, you need cloud-based software to keep up today.

The entire monday.com platform is cloud-based, so you can use our Docs feature to work on documents wherever you have a device and an internet connection.

But what if you can’t access a computer while out of your office space? You might need to get onto the doc via your mobile phone or tablet.

We thought of that. monday.com has apps for both iOS and Android devices.

Here’s a quick view of monday.com’s mobile app UI:

Get started

3. Permissions

Some docs you want visible to your entire organization. For example, company policy documents are best shared with everyone. Others may have sensitive information or are only pertinent for certain individuals or teams, making permissions a vital word processing feature.

For example, if the marketing team is brainstorming an ad campaign, they may not need to share it with the operations team.

Maybe they want sales to have a look, though, but without editing privileges.

For situations like this, you want the ability to control who can view, edit, or comment on your documents.

You also want control over sharing the docs, of course.

monday.com offers 3 types of Docs depending on your needs, and you can always adjust sharing settings.

For example, you can choose between a main, private, or shareable document upon Doc creation.

4. Easy sharing and collaboration

Speaking of permissions and sharing, your cloud-based word processing app should make collaboration seamless. That includes managing who’s on the doc and the actual collaborative work.

In the monday.com Docs app, you can add teammates to your doc with a few button clicks.

Once all team members you need are in the doc, working on things together is pretty easy.

To illustrate, here’s a brainstorming doc for a proposed marketing campaign that a marketing team is collaborating on in monday.com:

Notice the information in the top right corner. You can monitor who’s been in the doc, add more people as needed, leave comments, and much more.

And, if you have ideas on how to make the app even better, there’s that “Give feedback” button sitting there as well.

The word processor: a vital tool for success

It’s hard to imagine a world without word processors. So much of what we do on and off the internet requires these programs.

That said, the abundance of products can make it hard to choose. You have plenty of standalone options — but it’s even better to get a Work OS that integrates your word processing capabilities alongside the rest of your workflow.

Thanks to monday.com’s new Docs app, that’s entirely possible. It only takes one click to activate, too. Try monday.com free for 14 days to see what it’s all about.

Get started

Four Examples of Word Processing Software For Windows

What Is Word Processing Software?

Many companies use Microsoft Word for their word processing needs, but it is not the only product on the market. Review these examples of word processing software to learn about your options including free programs and web-based word processors.

Many word processors have additional functions and features to manage graphics, create advanced formatting or perform desktop publishing. Word processors should ultimately focus on their core function, which is editing documents and making the writing process painless.

Whether you need to take notes, write office memos or pen books, there is a word processing application that suits your needs. Try out a few different programs to see which one is best for you.

Microsoft Word: The World’s Most Popular Word Processor

Microsoft Word is the one of the world’s most popular word processing programs and for good reason. In use for more than twenty years, Word has a number of valuable functions beneficial for any writing tasks including spell check, grammar check and numerous fonts. The built-in templates help writers create attractive resumes, letters, memos and other documents quickly. The Review features (e.g. Track Changes, Comment, etc.) are vital for people who need to track the input and changes from editors and colleagues. Word has only a few drawbacks: cost (usually over $100), technical requirements, and complexity (the sheer number of features can be overwhelming to a novice).

Open Office Writer: A Free Word Processor For Your Desktop

Compatible with Microsoft Word formats, Open Office Writer is a free application that can be installed on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. The layout of the program is similar in some respects to Word, but the functionality is less sophisticated. If you need to write a book, documents with sophisticated formatting or require a variety of templates, Writer is not the best choice. If you a limited budget and have basic needs, though, then Open Office Writer may be the word processing software for you.

Google Docs: A Basic Web Based Word Processor

Google Docs is a free suite of office productivity applications that includes a word processor, spreadsheet program and other programs. Collaboration and offsite storage on Google’s servers are the main advantages of this program. You can easily invite other people to work on a document with you without worrying about your hard drive failing and destroying your documents. Unfortunately, the disadvantage to this free word processor is the very basic functionality. You cannot easily create footnotes, tables of contents, and other features. In addition, font choices are comparatively limited. Finally, some organization restrict the use of web based applications for security and privacy reasons so check your IT policies before using this kind of application. To use Google Docs, you need to sign up for a free Google account.

Zoho Writer: Replacement for Microsoft Word?

Like Google Docs, Zoho Writer is a web based word processing application that is free to use. Unlike Google Docs, Zoho specializes in office applications so there are more features available to users. Zoho’s best features include document templates, integration with other Zoho office applications and over 1 GB of free storage. One final feature will be of interest to online writers: Zoho Writer can directly post to WordPress, LiveJournal and other blog platforms.

Now that you have reviewed these examples of word processing software, you are ready to try them out and see which one you like best. Many writers use more than program — some prefer web based word processing software for note taking and brainstorming but use traditional desktop-based software to write longer projects.

Word Processing Software Resources

The examples of word processing software in this article introduce to some of the industry’s leading programs. Writers with specialized needs — such as publishing and scientific work — may find these examples of word processing software fail to meet their needs. However, the popularity of these examples means that support is easier to find than it would be for specialized programs. So try out the programs described here first before you move on to programs that are more specialized.

Free Word Processor

Your One Stop Shop to Choose a Word Processor

Free Word Processor Programs

So you own a laptop or maybe a tablet that has a very limited amount of space and you need to edit important word files. Well, what do you do? You find a good and a free word processor that is both small in space and effective in results. The year is 2019 and the world today doesn’t use only Microsoft Word. There are plenty of effective replacements available now that are both small in size and very useful. So, today we’re going to take a look at the best word processors of 2019 that’ll prove to be amazing replacements for your current office utilities.

People don’t have the internet around them all the time, yet they want to complete their work on time. Then they are definitely in need of a good word processor that can be downloaded. If you’re one of the people that need downloadable word processors, then you’re in for a treat as we’ve listed some of the best downloadable word processor programs of 2019.
Let’s have a look at the MS Word alternatives that you’ll want to download:

1) Jarte

Jart word editor

This amazing word processor is based on the WordPad engine and is absolutely free of cost. Although there is a paid version of Jarte available, if you’ll only be working on Word and WordPad files, the free version is pretty good too. Going through its features, Jarte is supported by Windows 7/XP/Vista. Its interface is quite efficient and requires less from your PC or laptop to work with and provides really fast results. That’s not just all that it has, it even has a Text-to-HTML and HTML-to-Text editor. Additional features include a spell and grammar checker as an option for those who mistype a lot. Jarte has to be one of the best word processor programs of 2019.

2) OpenOffice

OpenOffice is probably the best downloadable word processor of 2019, definitely one of the best in my opinion. It can be downloaded easily from OpenOffice.org and consists of 6 packages that are both easy to extract, install and use. OpenOffice happens to be quite similar from the ever so famous MS Office. The 6 applications that it consists are Writer (a basic word processor), Calc (which is used to alter spreadsheets), Impress (which is for anyone who loves to make presentations), Draw (an app for graphic designers), Base (to alter databases) and Math (for anyone who needs help with maths). For me, Writer is better than Microsoft Office as it is quite a good replacement for Adobe Reader as well. That’s right, it can also open PDF files. The software happens to be maintained by many helpful developers online as it is open source and absolutely free of cost. This is perhaps the leading word processor program for the year 2019.

3) NeoOffice

If you’re an Apple lover and a Mac OS X user, this word processor program is definitely for you. NeoOffice happens to be a very helpful office suite and has a huge amount of features similar to OpenOffice. NeoOffice can edit most MS Office files, spreadsheets and everything else. In addition, it includes an option to easily highlight through PDF files, which is something rather new to see. Unfortunately, the free edition of NeoOffice does not let you save files, Here I would like to suggest you this PunctuationCheck for proofreading.

However, for people who only want to edit, type or print, this is the perfect word processor program.

4) IBM Lotus Symphony

IBM and free are two things that we do not really see in the same sentence often. But the fact is IBM has released a word processor program that is free of cost. IBM’s free productivity package, known as the IBM Lotus Symphony, comes with a word processor program, a spreadsheet editor and a presentation editing software. Initially, people only considered it to be an OpenOffice wannabe as it seemed like a replica. However, they’ve modified it quite a lot and now it looks very unique. The ever so efficient IBM utility is able to edit ODF, TXT, Word files, and even PDF files. Not just that, it can also be exported as a PDF file. Whatever you may want, IBM Lotus Symphony has it. What was once called an OpenOffice replica, now happens to be a tough competitor of the same word processor program.

Sometimes people do not have enough space or time to download a word processor program on the device they are using and prefer a word processing program that is efficient and smart. We’ll be looking into some of the best online word processors of 2018:

5) Google Docs

When we talk about an online free word processor application, there is one program that is probably the best replacement for Microsoft’s MS Office. Google happens to have the solution to everything and this is probably the best solution for anyone that likes cloud storage and online word processor programs as Google Docs provides both. That’s right! With Google Docs, you can easily edit your documents and enjoy 15 GB of cloud space that has all your work saved.

Just like other programs from Google, Docs also has quite an easy and user-friendly user interface that does not let you get confused. Edit, save and create as much you can as even if your laptop’s battery drains out, Google Docs saves every word from the second you’ve started typing to save your hard work.

Another great feature of Google Docs is that you have the ability to share and see work with your colleagues in real-time and you can even communicate with them if you want to using the efficient sidebar GChat.
Google Docs very easily makes it to the list of top online word processor programs of 2018.

6) Zoho

Zoho was first started a few years ago. It aims to provide around 20 kinds of utilities that include a lightweight online word processor program as well. To use this word processor program, you have to make a Zoho account first or link your Google account to it. The interface of the word processor program happens to be very easy to use. Similar to Google Docs, it saves your work as you type so that you don’t lose precious data.

7) Etherpad

Etherpad is mostly used by developers to edit real time coding, but later on it evolved as a valuable word processor program. Etherpad is really easy to use and provides results in real time. It is a must have for students that need lightweight word processor programs as its real approach is to edit documents for those who are working in collaboration with each other. The biggest advantage of Etherpad is that there is no signup option and the user doesn’t really has to get in the mess of making an account to edit their valuable files. The only thing you need to do is start a new ‘Pad’ (which is just a fancy name for a word document) and start working on it with your friends. You’ll just have to share its link with your friends and you’re good to go. An email invitation system is also available. And when all of you have the Pad link, you can start working on the project with each other, regardless of being miles apart.

Nevron Writer

Alright, Nevron Writer is actually a part of NevronOffice and they boast their product as an alternative of MS Word processor. They like to assert the fact that their Word Processor looks and behaves identically the same whether you use it in Windows or Mac.

Here are some most prominent of features of NevronWriter apart from the same interface in Windows and Mac:

• Compatible with all Big Word Processors – No matter whether you use MS Word or Pages that comes with Mac, you would not have any compatibility issues and your docs will always open with these processors as well as all famous word processors.
• Rich Formatting – People love MS Word for being the key word processor and because the attention to details is simple marvelous. However, Nevron Writer claims to have better and in-depth formatting.
• A Visual Web Designer – If you swing between your WordPress website and word processor, Nevron Writer is absolutely for you, because it is based on HTML and CSS.

9) LibreOffice – Writer

Just like Nevron, LibreOffice is also an entire office suite and write it the word processor that comes with it. Unlike Nevron Writer, the “free” here is not “free trial”, but absolutely and permanently free. Download it and use it as long as you may please.

Here are the reasons why you may consider Writer from LiberOffice:

• • Free download – like no strings attached
  • Compatibility – The biggest issues that the users of word porcessors have with their processors is that whether they would be compatible with big and huge MS Word or not, and Pages too. This processor is just as compatible as the previous one.
  • Customization – Fonts, formats, design, customization – if these are the words that drive you when it comes to word processors, this one is definitely for you because it lets you customize each and every part of your document.
  • AutoComplete – and some other smart features help you all the way through writing and processing really awesome documents. There are simply many document templates to choose from, which makes your job easy.

10) Speare

If you’ve always been wanting more from the best word processors and you think that it should be more than a bland word processor, Speare is obviously for you. They call it a thought processor and judging by very unique and advanced features, yes, it lets you organize your thoughts and jot them down in a much better way.

Here are the most promising features of Speare – start with a 14 days free trial and pay only if you like it:

• • • Web App – It comes with an app that works directly in your browser, which will help you record your creative thoughts lest you lose those ideas in the labyrinth of your brain.
    • Creative organization of ideas – Once you have some really creative ideas recorder in the app, sit on a laptop, open Speare and use its tabs like function to creatively write down those ideas in shape of tabs. Moveable tabs – that you can move from top to down to center anywhere and once text is perfectly checked, process those tabs into a document.

11) SSuite WordGraph Editor

Like a few word processors in this list, this one also comes with full shebang – a complete office suite. However, since we are concerned only with the processor, let us talk about that. WordGraph is a full fledge word processor with all the bells and whistles that come attached with word processors.

Here are features that you will love:

• • • .Net or Java Free – Yes, this word processor will run perfectly without .net or Java installed on your computer. It is light and it does not need these specs.
    • Thumbnail Previews – With WordGraph you can have Thumbnail previews of your document before you finalize them.
    • Formatting – Fonts, style options, formatting and advanced tables that you only get with WordGraph you will be free to create docs that you need.
    • Multi-Display Compatibility – If you love multitasking and thus you love to use two monitors at the same time, worry no more because this processor works fine with both monitors.
    • Presentations – Unlike MS Word which is limited only to text docs, this processor also lets you make really good presentations.

It’s absolutely free! But you can make a donation to their good cause.

12) WPS Writer

Again! Yet another office suite and Writer (Click to download) is their word processor. Well, this processor seems to be a very promising one by the features that come with it. Definitely not as revolutionary as Speare, but it crushes it at being a word processor. Have a look:

• • • Compatibility – Yes, it is 100% compatible with all those God damned word processors that your boss, your colleagues, your students and your clients etc. love to use.
    • Formatting – Well, it does not introduce any revolution to formatting, but it comes with all familiar formatting tools that you love to use in MS Word.
    • Extra Stuff – How about being able to write in not less than 230 fonts and using hundreds of document templates? Good, right?
    • Ctrl+C/P/X/Z – Yeah, we know this very well. Been there done that! But WPS Writer does not come easy. It lets you use not less than 50 pre-defined keyboard shortcuts. How about it?
    • Password protection – is there, love it, do it.
    • Mail Merge – Do you like not having to attach word processor documents in email and being able to send multiple documents with a few clicks? Get this word processor.

13) SoftMaker’s FreeOffice Text Maker

Yes, this one is also an office suite, but just like all other office suites, SoftMaker’s FreeOffice also comes with a word processor. Text Maker is the name of word processor that comes with this suite. Let us have a look at what it can do so differently for you:

• • • Design Rich – Since design is the strong suit of this processor, you would not have to worry about formatting, design and documents like flyers or brochures etc. It lets you design awesome documents as well as writing the documents that you need.
    • Spell check in 58 languages – So how many languages do you know exactly?
    • Compatibility – Oh yes, forgot to mention, it is fully compatible with MS Word and all big word processors like Pages from Apple.
    • Unicode Ability – This word processor is fully Unicode enabled so you can type in Unicode.

14) Dropbox Paper

Ah yes, “But Google docs or Dropbox Paper don’t really beat a features rich MS Word.” Yes, but they are free and they still have more than basic features that you need to produce a doc and save it. The best thing about Paper is that it is not all about writing words, but also coordination and teamwork.

• • • Task Management Tools – They will help you have a check on your team and have updates about all recent developments.
    • Annotations – They will help you give feedback on tasks accomplished by team members and get feedback from them.
    • Calendar – Link your Paper with calendar and it will always help you find the right docs at the right time. You would never go to a meeting unprepared.

In case you are tired of using MS Word or Pages, irrespective of how awesome they are, you can give a try to any of these word processors. All of them have their own unique features.

You can pick one that is more in line with your needs.

My personal favorite? Well, aren’t we done with word processors? Why shift from one to another for same or similar features?

Perhaps it is the time to give a shot to something more creative: a thought processor. Yes, you are right. I would recommend you to use Speare because it makes a clear roadmap from raw thoughts to processing them to finalizing them in shape of a well-written document.

14 thoughts on “ Free Word Processor Programs ”

Consider adding Nevron Writer to the list – its much better than some of the text processors in this post and has a free edition.

A
word processor (more formally known as document preparation system)
is a computer application used for the production (including
composition, editing, formatting, and possibly printing) of any sort
of printable material.

Word
processor may also refer to a type of stand-alone office machine,
popular in the 1970s and 1980s, combining the keyboard text-entry and
printing functions of an electric typewriter with a dedicated
processor (like a computer processor) for the editing of text.
Although features and design varied between manufacturers and models,
with new features added as technology advanced, word processors for
several years usually featured a monochrome display and the ability
to save documents on memory cards or diskettes. Later models
introduced innovations such as spell-checking programs, increased
formatting options, and dot-matrix printing. As the more versatile
combination of a personal computer and separate printer became
commonplace, most business-machine companies stopped manufacturing
the word processor as a stand-alone office machine. As of 2009 there
were only two U.S. companies, Classic and AlphaSmart, which still
made stand-alone word processors.[1] Many older machines, however,
remain in use.

Word
processors are descended from early text formatting tools (sometimes
called text justification tools, from their only real capability).
Word processing was one of the earliest applications for the personal
computer in office productivity.

Although
early word processors used tag-based markup for document formatting,
most modern word processors take advantage of a graphical user
interface providing some form of What You See Is What You Get
editing. Most are powerful systems consisting of one or more programs
that can produce any arbitrary combination of images, graphics and
text, the latter handled with type-setting capability.

Microsoft
Word is the most widely used word processing software. Microsoft
estimates that over 500,000,000 people use the Microsoft Office
suite,[2] which includes Word. Many other word processing
applications exist, including WordPerfect (which dominated the market
from the mid-1980s to early-1990s on computers running Microsoft’s
MS-DOS operating system) and open source applications OpenOffice.org
Writer, AbiWord, KWord, and LyX. Web-based word processors, such as
Google Docs, are a relatively new category.

Word processing

Characteristics

Word
processing typically implies the presence of text manipulation
functions that extend beyond a basic ability to enter and change
text, such as automatic generation of:

• batch
mailings using a form letter template and an address database (also
called mail merging);

• indices
of keywords and their page numbers;

• tables
of contents with section titles and their page numbers;

• tables
of figures with caption titles and their page numbers;

• cross-referencing
with section or page numbers;

• footnote
numbering;

• new
versions of a document using variables (e.g. model numbers, product
names, etc.)

Other
word processing functions include «spell checking»
(actually checks against wordlists), «grammar checking»
(checks for what seem to be simple grammar errors), and a «thesaurus»
function (finds words with similar or opposite meanings). Other
common features include collaborative editing, comments and
annotations, support for images and diagrams and internal
cross-referencing.

Word
processors can be distinguished from several other, related forms of
software:

Text
editors (modern examples of which include Notepad, BBEdit, Kate,
Gedit), were the precursors of word processors. While offering
facilities for composing and editing text, they do not format
documents. This can be done by batch document processing systems,
starting with TJ-2 and RUNOFF and still available in such systems as
LaTeX (as well as programs that implement the paged-media extensions
to HTML and CSS). Text editors are now used mainly by programmers,
website designers, computer system administrators, and, in the case
of LaTeX by mathematicians and scientists (for complex formulas and
for citations in rare languages). They are also useful when fast
startup times, small file sizes, editing speed and simplicity of
operation are preferred over formatting.

Later
desktop publishing programs were specifically designed to allow
elaborate layout for publication, but often offered only limited
support for editing. Typically, desktop publishing programs allowed
users to import text that was written using a text editor or word
processor.

Almost
all word processors enable users to employ styles, which are used to
automate consistent formatting of text body, titles, subtitles,
highlighted text, and so on.

Styles
greatly simplify managing the formatting of large documents, since
changing a style automatically changes all text that the style has
been applied to. Even in shorter documents styles can save a lot of
time while formatting. However, most help files refer to styles as an
‘advanced feature’ of the word processor, which often discourages
users from using styles regularly.

Document
statistics

Most
current word processors can calculate various statistics pertaining
to a document. These usually include:

• Character
count, word count, sentence count, line count, paragraph count, page
count.

• Word,
sentence and paragraph length.

• Editing
time.

Errors
are common; for instance, a dash surrounded by spaces — like either
of these — may be counted as a word.

Typical
usage

Word
processors have a variety of uses and applications within the
business world, home, and education.

Business

Within
the business world, word processors are extremely useful tools.
Typical uses include:

• legal
copies

• letters
and letterhead

• memos

• reference
documents

Businesses
tend to have their own format and style for any of these. Thus,
versatile word processors with layout editing and similar
capabilities find widespread use in most businesses.

Education

Many
schools have begun to teach typing and word processing to their
students, starting as early as elementary school. Typically these
skills are developed throughout secondary school in preparation for
the business world. Undergraduate students typically spend many hours
writing essays. Graduate and doctoral students continue this trend,
as well as creating works for research and publication.

Home

While
many homes have word processors on their computers, word processing
in the home tends to be educational, planning or business related,
dealing with assignments or work being completed at home, or
occasionally recreational, e.g. writing short stories. Some use word
processors for letter writing, résumé creation, and card creation.
However, many of these home publishing processes have been taken over
by desktop publishing programs specifically oriented toward home use.
which are better suited to these types of documents.

History

Toshiba
JW-10, the first word processor for the Japanese language (1971-1978
IEEE milestones)

Examples
of standalone word processor typefaces c. 1980-1981

Brother
WP-1400D editing electronic typewriter (1994)

The
term word processing was invented by IBM in the late 1960s. By 1971
it was recognized by the New York Times as a «buzz word».[3]
A 1974 Times article referred to «the brave new world of Word
Processing or W/P. That’s International Business Machines talk…
I.B.M. introduced W/P about five years ago for its Magnetic Tape
Selectric Typewriter and other electronic razzle-dazzle.»

IBM
defined the term in a broad and vague way as «the combination of
people, procedures, and equipment which transforms ideas into printed
communications,» and originally used it to include dictating
machines and ordinary, manually-operated Selectric typewriters. By
the early seventies, however, the term was generally understood to
mean semiautomated typewriters affording at least some form of
electronic editing and correction, and the ability to produce perfect
«originals.» Thus, the Times headlined a 1974 Xerox product
as a «speedier electronic typewriter», but went on to
describe the product, which had no screen, as «a word processor
rather than strictly a typewriter, in that it stores copy on magnetic
tape or magnetic cards for retyping, corrections, and subsequent
printout.»

Electromechanical
paper-tape-based equipment such as the Friden Flexowriter had long
been available; the Flexowriter allowed for operations such as
repetitive typing of form letters (with a pause for the operator to
manually type in the variable information)[8], and when equipped with
an auxiliary reader, could perform an early version of «mail
merge». Circa 1970 it began to be feasible to apply electronic
computers to office automation tasks. IBM’s Mag Tape Selectric
Typewriter (MTST) and later Mag Card Selectric (MCST) were early
devices of this kind, which allowed editing, simple revision, and
repetitive typing, with a one-line display for editing single lines.

The
New York Times, reporting on a 1971 business equipment trade show,
said

The
«buzz word» for this year’s show was «word
processing,» or the use of electronic equipment, such as
typewriters; procedures and trained personnel to maximize office
efficiency. At the IBM exhibition a girl [sic] typed on an electronic
typewriter. The copy was received on a magnetic tape cassette which
accepted corrections, deletions, and additions and then produced a
perfect letter for the boss’s signature….

In
1971, a third of all working women in the United States were
secretaries, and they could see that word processing would have an
impact on their careers. Some manufacturers, according to a Times
article, urged that «the concept of ‘word processing’ could be
the answer to Women’s Lib advocates’ prayers. Word processing will
replace the ‘traditional’ secretary and give women new administrative
roles in business and industry.»

The
1970s word processing concept did not refer merely to equipment, but,
explicitly, to the use of equipment for «breaking down
secretarial labor into distinct components, with some staff members
handling typing exclusively while others supply administrative
support. A typical operation would leave most executives without
private secretaries. Instead one secretary would perform various
administrative tasks for three or more secretaries.» A 1971
article said that «Some [secretaries] see W/P as a career ladder
into management; others see it as a dead-end into the automated
ghetto; others predict it will lead straight to the picket line.»
The National Secretaries Association, which defined secretaries as
people who «can assume responsibility without direct
supervision,» feared that W/P would transform secretaries into
«space-age typing pools.» The article considered only the
organizational changes resulting from secretaries operating word
processors rather than typewriters; the possibility that word
processors might result in managers creating documents without the
intervention of secretaries was not considered—not surprising in an
era when few but secretaries possessed keyboarding skills.

In
the early 1970s, computer scientist Harold Koplow was hired by Wang
Laboratories to program calculators. One of his programs permitted a
Wang calculator to interface with an IBM Selectric typewriter, which
was at the time used to calculate and print the paperwork for auto
sales.

In
1974, Koplow’s interface program was developed into the Wang 1200
Word Processor, an IBM Selectric-based text-storage device. The
operator of this machine typed text on a conventional IBM Selectric;
when the Return key was pressed, the line of text was stored on a
cassette tape. One cassette held roughly 20 pages of text, and could
be «played back» (i.e., the text retrieved) by printing the
contents on continuous-form paper in the 1200 typewriter’s «print»
mode. The stored text could also be edited, using keys on a simple,
six-key array. Basic editing functions included Insert, Delete, Skip
(character, line), and so on.

The
labor and cost savings of this device were immediate, and remarkable:
pages of text no longer had to be retyped to correct simple errors,
and projects could be worked on, stored, and then retrieved for use
later on. The rudimentary Wang 1200 machine was the precursor of the
Wang Office Information System (OIS), introduced in 1976, whose
CRT-based system was a major breakthrough in word processing
technology. It displayed text on a CRT screen, and incorporated
virtually every fundamental characteristic of word processors as we
know them today. It was a true office machine, affordable by
organizations such as medium-sized law firms, and easily learned and
operated by secretarial staff.

The
Wang was not the first CRT-based machine nor were all of its
innovations unique to Wang. In the early 1970s Linolex, Lexitron and
Vydec introduced pioneering word-processing systems with CRT display
editing. A Canadian electronics company, Automatic Electronic
Systems, had introduced a product with similarities to Wang’s product
in 1973, but went into bankruptcy a year later. In 1976, refinanced
by the Canada Development Corporation, it returned to operation as
AES Data, and went on to successfully market its brand of word
processors worldwide until its demise in the mid-1980s. Its first
office product, the AES-90, combined for the first time a CRT-screen,
a floppy-disk and a microprocessor,[citation needed] that is, the
very same winning combination that would be used by IBM for its PC
seven years later. The AES-90 software was able to handle French and
English typing from the start, displaying and printing the texts
side-by-side, a Canadian government requirement. The first eight
units were delivered to the office of the then Prime Minister, Pierre
Elliot Trudeau, in February 1974. Despite these predecessors, Wang’s
product was a standout, and by 1978 it had sold more of these systems
than any other vendor.

In
the early 1980’s, AES Data Inc. introduced a networked word processor
system, called MULTIPLUS, offering multi-tasking and up to 8
workstations all sharing the resources of a centralized computer
system, a precursor to today’s networks. It followed with the
introduction of SuperPlus and SuperPlus IV systems which also offered
the CP/M operating system answering client needs. AES Data word
processors were placed side-by-side with CP/M software, like
Wordstar, to highlight ease of use.

The
phrase «word processor» rapidly came to refer to CRT-based
machines similar to Wang’s. Numerous machines of this kind emerged,
typically marketed by traditional office-equipment companies such as
IBM, Lanier (marketing AES Data machines, re-badged), CPT, and
NBI.[13] All were specialized, dedicated, proprietary systems, with
prices in the $10,000 ballpark. Cheap general-purpose computers were
still the domain of hobbyists.

Some
of the earliest CRT-based machines used cassette tapes for
removable-memory storage until floppy diskettes became available for
this purpose — first the 8-inch floppy, then the 5-1/4-inch (drives
by Shugart Associates and diskettes by Dysan).

Printing
of documents was initially accomplished using IBM Selectric
typewriters modified for ASCII-character input. These were later
replaced by application-specific daisy wheel printers (Diablo, which
became a Xerox company, and Qume — both now defunct.) For quicker
«draft» printing, dot-matrix line printers were optional
alternatives with some word processors.

With
the rise of personal computers, and in particular the IBM PC and PC
compatibles, software-based word processors running on
general-purpose commodity hardware gradually displaced dedicated word
processors, and the term came to refer to software rather than
hardware. Some programs were modeled after particular dedicated WP
hardware. MultiMate, for example, was written for an insurance
company that had hundreds of typists using Wang systems, and spread
from there to other Wang customers. To adapt to the smaller PC
keyboard, MultiMate used stick-on labels and a large plastic clip-on
template to remind users of its dozens of Wang-like functions, using
the shift, alt and ctrl keys with the 10 IBM function keys and many
of the alphabet keys.

Other
early word-processing software required users to memorize
semi-mnemonic key combinations rather than pressing keys labelled
«copy» or «bold.» (In fact, many early PCs lacked
cursor keys; WordStar famously used the E-S-D-X-centered «diamond»
for cursor navigation, and modern vi-like editors encourage use of
hjkl for navigation.) However, the price differences between
dedicated word processors and general-purpose PCs, and the value
added to the latter by software such as VisiCalc, were so compelling
that personal computers and word processing software soon became
serious competition for the dedicated machines. Word Perfect,
XyWrite, Microsoft Word, Wordstar, Workwriter and dozens of other
word processing software brands competed in the 1980s. Development of
higher-resolution monitors allowed them to provide limited WYSIWYG —
What You See Is What You Get, to the extent that typographical
features like bold and italics, indentation, justification and
margins were approximated on screen.

The
mid-to-late 1980s saw the spread of laser printers, a «typographic»
approach to word processing, and of true WYSIWYG bitmap displays with
multiple fonts (pioneered by the Xerox Alto computer and Bravo word
processing program), PostScript, and graphical user interfaces
(another Xerox PARC innovation, with the Gypsy word processor which
was commercialised in the Xerox Star product range). Standalone word
processors adapted by getting smaller and replacing their CRTs with
small character-oriented LCD displays. Some models also had
computer-like features such as floppy disk drives and the ability to
output to an external printer. They also got a name change, now being
called «electronic typewriters» and typically occupying a
lower end of the market, selling for under $200 USD.

MacWrite,
Microsoft Word and other word processing programs for the bit-mapped
Apple Macintosh screen, introduced in 1984, were probably the first
true WYSIWYG word processors to become known to many people until the
introduction of Microsoft Windows. Dedicated
word processors eventually became museum pieces.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Word_processor

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