Types of Word Processing Equipment

Word processing equipment includes computers, mice and printers.

By definition, word processing would not be possible without machines. According to the McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology, word processing consists of a combination of computer hardware and software so a user can write, edit, format, save and print a document. Sometimes called a word processing system, word processing equipment allows a user to input information into the computer and receive output.

Hardware

In order to run word processor software, you need computer equipment. Typically, computers consist of a central processing unit (CPU), a keyboard or some other input device like a microphone or a joystick. Keyboards or microphones are used to type in the word processor. Most computers have screens so you can see your word processing document and edit the text.

Another hardware device is a computer mouse or touchpad. This equipment allows the user to edit their document as well as make selections with the word processing program for changing the font or cutting and pasting. Computers also have hard drives to save word processing documents. Other means of storing word processing files include moving the file to a to a storage device like a CD or thumbdrive. If the computer is attached to the Internet, the file can also be store and transmitted electronically to other users.

Software

In order to a computer to function, it needs software. Software includes an operating system plus the word processing program to use to type in. Many word processors allow a user to see what is on the screen before it is printed or What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG). Being able to make changes to documents without retyping with all the editing functions built into the software makes word processing programs a large leap above typewriters.

Other software equipment used in word processing is voice dictation systems. Voice dictation uses microphones to give users the ability to speak and have the computer write their words down. Voice dictation users can also give commands to the computer like copying and pasting text or printing a document.

Output Devices

In order to have a hard copy of a word processing document, typically a user will need a printer. Printers come in a variety of types like inkjet printers, laser printers or plotters. Using a printer you're your word processor usually requires the computer to be either physically wired to the computer, networked or to have a wireless connection. Word processing documents can also sent to others electronically. Word processing documents can be via email or published on the World Wide Web.

References

• "McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology: Word Processing;" 5th ed.; McGraw-Hill Professional, 2005
• "Encyclopedia of Small Business: Computers and Computer Systems;" Ed. Laurie Collier Hillstrom and Kevin Hillstrom; 2nd ed., Vol. 1., Gale
• "McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Science and Technology: Computer Peripheral Devices;" 5th ed.; McGraw-Hill Professional, 2005