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![]() | Word Processing & Desk-Top Publishing | |
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A Word-Processor programme enables you to type and format a document in the computer, viewing the result on the screen exactly as it will be printed. You can save as many different versions as you need, print them out or send them to the recipient as a file on a floppy disc or via a network connection. A Desk Top Publishing programme provides much more sophisticated control over layout and enables you to produce material to send direct to the printing house. | Word-Processing is usually the first PC application in a small business. It releases you from the tyranny of the typewriter and opens up a whole new world of flexible production of letters, reports, legal documents, press releases etc. When buying their first house in 1968 Richard and his wife sat for hours in the solicitors office on the day the keys were due to be handed over while a young typist painstakingly produced pages of legal documents. Nearly all were identical to those in any other house purchase agreement. With a word-processor she could have made the alterations to a standard text on file and run it all off in minutes. 'Flexibility' is the key word. Once a document is in the word-processor you can easily edit it, add different names and addresses, move sections around, use different text fonts and check the spelling. You can format the document (e.g. into 2 or 3 columns), to insert logos, graphs, and diagrams and even use coloured backgrounds or text. Small businesses typically use word-processors for letters, newsletters, catalogues, reports, handbills/leaflets, instruction booklets, forms, and simple presentations. The great thing about most word-processing packages is that you can start off using them in a very simple way, and gradually explore the fancy features as you need them. | |