Word Processing Synopsis
Word processing means the creation of all types of written (and illustrated) material such as letters, legal documents and books. Word processor programs are designed to facilitate the process. However, some types of document such as newspapers, brochures and cards may be better served by the use of desktop publishing programs.
A word processor program will normally provide for:
- Entering and changing text
- Formatting text both as to font and layout
- Styling of documents to allow consistency in formats
- Insertion of images and drawing elements
- Spell and grammar checking
- Thesaurus and dictionary
- Creation of tables of data
- Bulk reassignment of styles
- Tables of contents with section titles and their page numbers
- Indexes of keywords and their page numbers
- Cross-referencing with section or page numbers, or with figures and tables
- Creation of footnotes and endnotes
- Tables of figures with caption titles and their page numbers
- Batch mailings using a form letter template and an address database (also called mail merging)
- Collaborative editing, comments and annotations
Microsoft Word, which is used in these courses, provides for all of these capabilities.
In order to allow members to consolidate their knowledge, the topics above are split between two courses. Word Processing I covers items 1-5, and Word Processing II continues with items 7-12. The remaining items are sufficiently specialised that they are handled in specific Workshop sessions.