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The Learning Ladder
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| Module : Computer Basics | ||||
| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 |
Word Processing Basics (continued)
Types of Word Processors
Word processors come in many shapes and sizes. They range from simple "notepads" that have only do the basics, to huge and complex typesetting programs used to create encyclopedias and other very large books.
Most computers come with very basic free word processors called "text editors". Text editors allow you to type, open and save documents, and print. They usually don't do much besides that.
Word processors with more power (like Microsoft Word, probably the most widely-used word processor) offer more features. In addition to creating, opening, saving and printing documents, word processors often offer things like the following:
- Spell checking
- The word processor can check the spelling in your document and help you find and correct mistakes.
- Text formatting
- This allows you to control how your document looks - like choosing different kinds and styles of text, using color, positioning and layout, rulers and tables.
- Graphics and pictures
- Some word processors allow you to include graphics and pictures in your documents.
Most word processors are not free, however. You may have a word processor already installed on your computer, or you may not. The instructions in this section will be very general and not assume advanced features, so that if you don't have a word processor, you can still follow along with a text editor.
On the next page, we will learn about creating a basic document with a word processor.
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