Word Processing Systems

Word processors can be broadly divided into two groups, multifunction and dedicated. Multifunction machines can perform other tasks besides word processing.

Many organisations do have powerful computers for numerical and graphical work. Special programs, or software, have been written to enable terminals to be used as word processors. The success of such multifunction systems depends on the total volume of work the computer is required to carry out.

A wide selection of word processing software packages is now available. Many are suitable for microcomputers. These may be on disks or on CD-ROMs. Although these packages add another useful dimension to microcomputers, for constant use, dedicated word processors may be required. Software packages available include among others Word Star, Word Perfect, PC Write, Page Maker, MicroSoft Word etc.

A standalone system forming a complete unit incorporates as indicated earlier, the five essential components of a word processing system : a keyboard, visual display, internal processor, magnetic storage unit and a printer. Electronic typewriters can be converted to word processors by plugging them into a specially designed interface, an electronic “black box” fitted on the back of the typewriter. Large organizations with many word processing operators invest in dedicated machines.

Sharing items of equipment can help reduce costs considerably. There are two types of Shared systems : shared logic and shared resources.

In a shared logic system, each work station has its own key board and screen, but they all access the same central processor. Because electronic equipment operates far more quickly than people, one processor can easily keep tract of the activities of several work stations, and take advantage of large, expensive storage units and printers. However, if the processor should go down, that is, stop working properly, none of the individual work stations will be able to function.

This problem is avoided in shared resource systems, in which each work station has its own processor. The word processors may share an expensive high speed printer. Noisy printers can be placed in a separate room, and can print out during the night, work which has been stored on disk during the day. A group of word processors of this type is often called a cluster.

In recent years, much work has gone into designing offices so that they are more pleasant to work in. However, recent studies have indicated that word processor operators suffer undue strain, feel isolated, and are overworked. Word processing is a major aspect of the growing trend towards office automation. As electronic equipment improves, an increasing amount of office work will be carried out automatically.