Word processing involves using computers to prepare documents. Early mechanical word processors included the typewriter. The first use of the term "word processing" was by IBM in the late 1960s to describe their Magnetic Selectric typewriter and other electronic devices. Popular early PC word processors included WordPerfect 5.1 and early versions of Microsoft Word for DOS. Word 2007 and 2010 introduced new interfaces like the ribbon and backstage view and default file extensions changed from .doc to .docx. Alternatives to purchased software include free open-source options and cloud-based offerings from Google Docs and Microsoft SkyDrive.

1. Fall 2011Word Processing

2. Word Processing?What is Word Processing Anyway?

3. Word Processing: Word Processing is the use of computers to prepare documents.

4. A word processor generally refers to a WYSIWYG ("What You See Is What You Get") system where the formatting takes place while you enter your text; no further processing is needed prior to sending your work to a printer. Word and WordPerfect and other similar personal computer packages are examples of word processors. First Word Processor?

5. The first mechanical word processorThe typewriter

6. The concept of a typewriter dates back at least to 1714, when Englishman Henry Mill filed a vaguely-worded patent for "an artificial machine or method for the impressing or transcribing of letters singly or progressively one after another.“

7. Numerous inventors in Europe and the U.S. worked on typewriters in the 19th century, but successful commercial production began only with the "writing ball" of Danish pastor Malling Hansen (1870). This well-engineered device looked rather like a pincushion. Why the QWERTY?...the Universal User Interface....

8. The name "QWERTY" for our typewriter keyboard comes from the first six letters in the top alphabet row (the one just below the numbers). It is also called the "Universal" keyboard for rather obvious reasons. It was the work of inventor C. L. Sholes, who put together the prototypes of the first commercial typewriter in a Milwaukee machine shop back in the 1860's.

9. The keyboard arrangement was considered important enough to be included on Sholes' patent granted in 1878 (see drawing), some years after the machine was into production.

10. Consider QWERTY...The IBM Selectric

11. But when were they called word processors?See the original Wikipedia article on Word Processor!Term coined by IBM

12. 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". A 1971 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 Selectric typewriter and other electronic razzle-dazzle.“

13. History of Word ProcessorsSee also:

14. Then there was the WangBeloved of Wangers!

15. The machine still looked like a computer, that’s for sure. But who cared? It was silent. It magically knew when to start a new line – no mental arithmetic and wrenching of a lever to tell the paper to move up. It didn’t matter how many mistakes you made – you simply typed over them. Tippex became redundant. If Mr Harris wanted to make multiple changes to a 60-page document, it was a simple operation, no need to retype the whole thing. There were keys that instantly found the word you were looking for; went to a particular page number, replaced multiple instances of words.

16. On being a Wanger

17. an early PC Word Processor: No Mouse!

18. A Very Popular DOS Word ProcessorThe all-time favorite version of WordPerfect was probably version 5.1, which was released in 1989.#9 WordPerfect 5.1 by Ernest Schaal in Stuff Lawyers LikeMicrosoft Word: from DOS to Windows

19. The evolution of Word 2002-2010Word XPWord 2003Word 2007Word 2010

20. More on the evolution of Word and the changes in Word 2007The Why of the New UI (Part 1)Ye Olde Museum Of Office Past (Why the UI, Part 2)See MSDN Blogs > Jensen Harris: An Office User Interface Blog

21. New features in Word 2007The Microsoft Office Button

22. The Quick Access ToolbarCustomizable