WORD PROCESSING EQUIPMENT
A. KEYBOARD
The keyboard of a word processor is similar to that of an electric typewriter. However, it has some additional keys. These are function keys of the command keys. The keyboard may be detachable which allows the operator to place the keyboard in a most convenient position when typing.
DISADVANTAGES OF WORD PROCESSING
1. The Text-Editors with display system are more expensive than the non-display system because of the initial cost of the display unit.
2. The operator can suffer from eye strain, back aches, swollen foot.
3. Files have to be duplicated on disks for each work-station because they cannot access the files.
THE WORD PROCESSING CYCLE OF WORK FLOW
Input – Input or text can originate (origination) in the form of dictation (shorthand) or through handwriting or through audio input. This input could be processed (products) either through the electronic machine or the word processor and the final output is called the print out or the hardcopy. The output will be revised (revision). The output of the hardcopy will be sent to the word originator for revision. The revision can be in the form of correcting wrong spelling changing the paragraphs or adding other paragraphs(s).
To prepare a revised document, you will insert the diskette and direct your word processor to read back the reloading in the diskette before you make the necessary correction with the aid of cursor you can scroll through the nest to the line where the change is to be made. Store the documents on the diskette again. The new document will automatically replace the old one on the diskette. Now you can instruct the computer to give you a new print out of the revised document. The new hard copy (revised documents) will now be sent back to the word originator who will read through and sign it.
PRINTER
A printer will print data from the micro-computer on paper in addition to having it displayed on the screen. A computer print out is referred to as hard copy. There are several types of printers viz:
THE COMPONENT PARTS OF A MICRO COMPUTER
The Basic Components parts of a computer are as follows
1. The Alpha-numeric keyboard
2. The Display screen (MONITOR)
3. The Disk-Drives (RECORDING/STORAGE DEVICE)
4. The Central Processing Unit (CPU)
5. The Printer.
COMPUTER LANGUAGE
Language is the means we use to communicate with one another. We can use language such as Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo or some of the other languages. In the same vain, we have to use a language to communicate with the computer.
The First Generation Computers were Characterized by:
• Vacuum Tubes
• They used magnetic drums as their main memory.
• Dissipated a lot of heat.
• These first generation Computers were invented in the mid 1940s to the 1950s e.g. ENIAC, UNIVAC I, II.
Computer is a machine that performs tasks, such as processing of data and storage, calculations, or electronic communication, under the control of a set of instructions called a program. Programs usually reside the computer and are retrieved and processed by programmer by the computer’s electronics. The program results are stored or routed to output devices like video display monitors, or printers. Computer performs a wide variety of activities reliably, accurately, and quickly.