Year 10 Computer Studies: Introduction to Word Processing Programs

Vocabulary terms and software definitions based on Introduction to Word Processing lecture notes at Samoa College.

Application Software

Software that performs specific tasks for the user.

Software

A sequence of codes and instructions that a computer follows to perform tasks, also called programs.

Integrated Software Package

A set of software that allows a user to use their tools together, such as Microsoft Office.

Separate (standalone) software

Software that does not integrate with other programs, such as DVD programs, computer games, or music players.

Word processor

A computer program used to create, retrieve, store, and print text-based application software that allows users to type words and sentences.

Text editor

A simple computer program which helps in editing plain text and cannot include graphics or pictures; an example is Notepad.

Spelling and Grammar checker

A tool in Word used to check the spelling and grammar rules of a document.

Thesaurus

A tool on the computer used to find synonyms (same words) and antonyms (opposite words) for selected words.

Tables

Cells made up of rows and columns used for data.

WYSIWYG

An acronym for "What You See Is What You Get," meaning whatever you see on the screen will be your output on the printer.

Word Wrap

A feature that moves a word that is too long to fit on a line to the beginning of the next line, or an option used to make text go around a picture.

Red wavy line

An indicator in Word that signifies a misspelled word.

Green wavy line

An indicator in Word that signifies a grammatical error.

Blue wavy line

An indicator in Word that signifies a contextual spelling error; this feature is turned off by default.

Contextual spelling error

An error that occurs when the wrong word is used but is spelled correctly, such as using "Deer" instead of "Dear".

Ribbon

A tabbed system introduced in Word 2007 that contains all the commands needed to perform common tasks, organized into tabs and groups.

Quick Access toolbar

Located just above the File tab, this contains the most frequently used commands in Word.

File tab

The tab that replaced the Office button from Word 2007; it provides access to the Backstage view to open, save, create, or print files.

Title bar

Located in the middle and at the top of the window, it shows the program and document titles.

Horizontal ruler

An interface element found just beneath the Ribbon used to set margins and tab stops.

Vertical ruler

An interface element on the left edge of the Word window used to measure the vertical position of elements on the page.

Zoom control

A slider used to zoom in or out of text by sliding left or right or clicking the + buttons.

Document Area

The professional space in the program where the user types.

Insertion point (cursor)

The flashing vertical bar that represents the location where text will appear when you type.

Status Bar

A bar at the bottom displaying document information such as total page count, word count, and language.

Dialog Box Launcher

A very small arrow in the lower-right corner of groups on the Ribbon that opens a dialog box for more options.

Ctrl + O

Keyboard shortcut to open a document.

Ctrl + N

Keyboard shortcut to create a new document.

Ctrl + S

Keyboard shortcut to save the current document.

F12

Keyboard shortcut to open the Save As window.

Ctrl + W

Keyboard shortcut to close the current document.

Ctrl + Z

Keyboard shortcut to Undo an action.

Ctrl + Y

Keyboard shortcut to Redo an action.

F1

Keyboard shortcut to open Help.

Alt + F4

Keyboard shortcut to exit the word processing program.