<aside> ✝️ If the key difference between Editing Text and Processing Words in digital composition is the destination of the output, then we have all become prolific Word Processors.
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The conjoining of the word “word” with the word “processing” or “processor” has at various times been used to denote principles of office management, an actual person (typically female), a physical hardware device, or a piece of intangible software. It has also encompassed not only the written production of text with a keyboard but also verbal dictation, shorthand note taking, and the duplication, mailing, and filing of documents.
Yes, I definitely picked this subject because of how utterly destitute it is of any cultural controversy. However, it is not without significance or meaning. I will never argue that even the academic should endeavor to know as much about digital writing software and its history as I have been compelled to seek out, but it's important to remember that consideration of the tools you use is an entirely valid avenue when you're thinking about your creative self, in general.
Word processors were designed to be primarily used for creative and expressive digital writing, while text editors are traditionally considered document manipulation tools made to move alphanumeric symbol around a digital environment, nothing more.
<aside> 📖 Word processor, computer program used to write and revise documents, compose the layout of the text, and preview on a computer monitor how the printed copy will appear. The last capability is known as “what you see is what you get” (WYSIWYG; pronounced wi-zē-wig).
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The term that I favor over "word processing'' is document processing, as it more correctly describes the thing that people are actually working with.
An Opinionated Discussion About Word Processors - Christopher B. Browne
Many first-time word processor users were also first-time computer users. For the cadre of science fiction authors mentioned in Track Changes, those early experiences inspired all sorts of adjectives, usually centered around awe and terror.
Today, there are probably several hundred authors who have computers of their own; the list of those authors reads like a Who's Who in Science-Fiction... Most of the authors I know say they use their computers primarily as word processors. -David Gerrold, A companion, a tool, and an environment
Much of what we still consider mainstream compositional software for The Web was originally intended for the printed page. Microsoft Word, naturally, being the easiest example - explore the web publication options and note how ungainly and unnatural they still feel. Very tacked-on.
Explore Microsoft Word's official online template gallery today and you'll find some...aspirationally modern intentions including the Social Media Checklist and - most bizarrely - the Uplifting Social Content Creator template.
I've noticed a recent movement toward replacing all word processing/notetaking software with code-oriented text editors like Emacs and VS Code.
Text editors are now used mainly by programmers, website designers, and computer system administrators. They are also useful when fast startup times, small file sizes and portability are preferred over formatting.
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