Definition of Word Processing Program
Word processing is one of the most basic uses for a computer. Most computers include basic word processing software, and many computer users have some level of familiarity with this task. Word processing software is used to create typed documents. The results may be as simple as a business letter or as ambitious as a full novel.
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Purpose
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The most basic function of word processing software is document creation, and all word processing programs give you the ability to create a typed document and save it on the computer or print it on paper. Most word processing programs also give you the ability to use different fonts to change the style, size or color of the text in a document. You can use word processing software to create letters, outlines, school reports, books and any other kinds of written documents that you can imagine.
Features
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Companies often add advanced features to word processing software in an effort to gain more customers. Some of the features that you might find in an advanced word processing program include the ability to add images to documents, spelling and grammar correction, a built-in dictionary and thesaurus, and the ability to save documents as HTML files for the Web. Such features may sometimes be accompanied by a higher price tag. In addition, some companies also bundle their word processing software with other products. For example, Apple's iWork suite includes a program for word processing, a spreadsheet program and a program for creating presentations.
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Programs
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If your computer runs Windows, it has two basic word processing programs installed -- Notepad and WordPad. Notepad creates plain text documents only, while WordPad has more advanced features for layout alterations and changing fonts. Microsoft also markets Word for business document creation on Windows and Mac machines. Apple's iWork suite includes a word processing program called Pages, and runs on Macs only. OpenOffice.org is a free office software suite that includes a word processing program as well as several other office applications. OpenOffice.org runs on Windows, Mac and Linux. Google Docs is an online word processing application that runs in a Web browser.
Integration With Other Programs
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Word processing software may be able to work with files created by other programs in the same suite. For example, you might be able to create a graph or pie chart in a spreadsheet program, and then embed it in a report created in a word processing program. Some word processing programs also can interact with databases. For example, you can create a form letter in Microsoft Word, leaving a blank space at the top for the name and address of the recipient. Microsoft Word can then print a different version of that form letter for each name and address in a customer database. This integration can make it useful to purchase a suite of office programs rather than selecting incompatible word processing, spreadsheet and database programs from different software developers.
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