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.
B. MANUAL TYPEWRITER
The first manual typewriter could type capital letter only. It was invented by Christopher Sholes. The typist has to return the carriage with the left hand at the uppercase letters could be typed.
C. ELECTRIC TYPEWRITER
The first electric typewriters were introduced by IBM in 1934. It has evenness of touch, automatic carriage return and the typed copy shows a professional appearance.
In 1961 IBM selectric typewriters with ball shaped elements came into use. The changeable golf-ball elements made it possible for the Secretary to use different type styles and sizes on the same document. The Secretary can backspace automatically and use the correction tape device for correction of errors.
D. ELECTRONIC TYPEWRITER
The electronic typewriter is more complex than the electric typewriter. It has features that are not available on the electric typewriter. It may have screen for a phrase or a line of text. It usually has internal memory which is a storage device. The memory capacity of the internal memory is between 2 kilobytes (KB) to 64KB which is about 2 to 32 pages. The text may also be removed from the typewriter and stored separately.
Electronic typewriter prints with the aid of a print wheel. The print wheels are of different sizes and styles. It thus allows the operator to remove the printwheel and change the print size and style.
Electronic typewriters can be upgraded with the addition of a large screen and risk drive to enable their function as a word processor.
E. STAND-ALONE WORD PROCESSOR/TEXT EDITORS
A stand-alone word processor can operate without a help from any other machine. The work station include the electric keyboard for entering the text, the disk drives for storing the text, the CPU (Central Processing Unit), Logic/intelligence or brain for managing the operations of the machines and the printer – a printing device for converting the stored text into print. Every stand-alone has a VDU similar to a TV set. As the operator keyboard into a stand-alone with a Visual display unit, the text appears on the screen. This allows the operator to see the documents as it is being prepared, spot errors and revise text before it is printed on paper. An indicator called cursor or pointer marks the place of action on the screen (move) off the screen. As text fills the screen, the upper lines scroll (move) off the screen. Once all editing id completed, the word processor is asked to store or save the text. When the copy is to be printed, you will then instruct the printer to do so by using the appropriate printing command. Most stand-alone Text Editor can use application programmes because they function like small computers.
F. STAND-ALONE TEXT EDITORS WITHOUT A DISPLAY UNIT
One of the options available on a stand-alone text editors is the visual display unit. A stand-alone text editors is the visual display unit. A stand –alone text editor that do not display stand-alone text editors.
Many non-display stand-alone text editors consist of a typewriter keyboard and a printer. These typewriters do not provide the Secretary with the opportunity to view the entire page of material as corrections or revisions are being made. Only the portion of the text that is changed appears on the printed page unless the entire text is played-out.
G. STAND-ALONE TEXT EDITORS WITH DISPLAY
Many text editors now have the visual screen similar to television screen that shows whatever is typed on the keyboard or is retrieved from storage. The screen enables the operator to produce a document without the use of paper. Like the non-display stand-alone text editors when an error is made the Secretary back spaces and retyped over the error. The operator can now see the corrections and changes as they are made. When the text on the screen is corrected, it can be stored in the storage media for immediate or future use. This eliminates the need for a rough draft of all typed work.
ADVANTAGES OF A STAND-ALONE TEXT EDITOR WITH DISPLAY
1. You can see the documents during its creation.
2. You can proofread, correct and revise the documents paper.
3. The process is done on the screen without the use of paper.
4. The printing is clean and clear without any trace of corrections.
5. The printing of the hardcopy and keyboarding can take place simultaneously depending on the software programme being used.
6. When one workstation is not working, the other terminals are not effected.
7. The stand-alone can communicate with other office system.
8.