INTRODUCTION TO WORD PROCESSING

Vocabulary and Concepts

Word Processing

A computerized method of writing, editing, saving, formatting, and printing text.

Microsoft Word

Apple Pages

Google DocsO n l i n e W o r d P r o c e s s i n g

Text

Another name for alphabetical data that was entered.

Text consists solely of letters.

Character

Any letter, number, or symbol typed on the keyboard.

A character represents every key on your keyboard.

Word Wrap

In word processing programs, this occurs when you get to the end of the line and the text wraps without you pressing the Enter key.

Enter Key

Document

Anything produced on a word processing program.

Cursor

The blinking line that indicates the user’s location in a document.

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Arrow Keys

The keys used in place of the mouse to move the cursor to a new location.

Special Function Keys

Keys that carry out specific tasks.

Shift KeyCaps Lock Key

Command Keys

This key needs to be used along with another key to carry out an operation.

Font

A specific style and size of writing.

Scroll

To move text up/down or left/right on your screen. Use mouse Use scroll bars Use arrow keys

Edit

To make changes to a document.

Insert

To add something to your document. Common items added to a document include clip art, tables, WordArt, and Headers/Footers.

Delete

To remove or erase.

Icons

A picture or a symbol that represents work (either a file or a program).

Printout

Output from a printer.

Hard Copy

Output from a computer that you can touch. Output from a printer.

Soft Copy

Output from a computer that you can see or hear, but can not touch. Example: Output from a monitor or speaker.

Cut and Paste

To remove something from one location and place it in another. Cut (Ctrl + X) Paste (Ctrl + V)

Copy/Paste

To add a copy of something in another location. Copy (Ctrl + C) Paste (Ctrl + V)

Tab

When the tab key is pressed, the cursor is advanced .5”. You may also set your own custom tab stops. These are used for indenting at the beginning of a paragraph or for formatting.

Tab

Justification

To align text to the left, center, right, or both (justified) margins.

Justified

Columns

In a document, a column is a vertical area reserved for text. Most newspapers, for example, contain four or more columns per page. Word processing software includes a column feature that automatically divides a page into columns.

Table

Refers to data arranged in a series of rows and columns. Word processing software includes a feature to easily insert a table into a document.

Spelling & Grammar Check

A feature built into a word processor that checks for spelling and grammar errors in a document. A red line indicates a spelling error. A green line indicates a grammar error.

Use Word Processing Software to Create the Following Types of Documents… Letters Reports Tables Schedules Outlines Newsletters Table of Contents Cover Pages