Learn It
Word Processing has evolved into much more than words typed on a piece of paper. It is a means to communicate with others, create content for websites, graphic design, blogs, and publications of all types. Modern word processing software and applications are integrated into the cloud. If you save your documents to your cloud-based storage, you can retrieve them from any device and continue to work with and share your documents.
Common Word Processing Software:
| Software Name | Type | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Word | Commercial | Runs on Windows and Mac
Part of Office 365 Recent features include more customization of the Ribbon, adds a Backstage view for file management, has improved document navigation, allows creation and embedding of screenshots, and integrates with Word Web App Word 2019 added the Dictate function |
| Google Docs | Online | Included as part of a free, web-based software office suite offered by Google within its Google Drive service
Allows users to create, view and edit files online while collaborating with other users in real-time Available as a web application supported on Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, and Apple Safari web browsers Users can access all Docs, as well as other files, collectively through the Google Drive website |
| Apple Pages | Online | Part of the iWork productivity suite and runs on the MacOS, iPadOS, and iOS operating systems
Users feel that it is an easy-to-use application that allows them to quickly create documents on their devices Includes a number of Apple-designed templates comprising different themes (such as letters, résumés, posters, and outlines) |
Since Microsoft Word is widely used in industry, and we are using Microsoft Windows, we will focus on Word going forward. There are many similarities across word processing software, so the skills we are learning can be translated to other software and apps. The following ‘Practice It’ assignments are designed to be completed using Microsoft Word in Office 365 on a PC with Windows 10 or higher.
Media Attributions
- Learn It Icon © Jessica Parsons is licensed under a CC BY (Attribution) license
- Woman signing in video conference © Jordan Nicholson/Disability:IN is licensed under a CC BY-ND (Attribution NoDerivatives) license
- Group of people indoors © fauxels is licensed under a CC0 (Creative Commons Zero) license
Software or a device that allows users to create, edit, and print documents
The act of using a computer program to create, edit and print documents
A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style
