Types of Automated Word Processing Equipment

Word processing is a term that was used to describe typing and printing long before the use of computers. Typewriters and bulky printing machines were the original bearers of the term, but the phrase "automated word processing" refers almost exclusively to computers and computer programs used for desktop publishing.

Software

The key component of most computerized word processors is the software. Software suites like OpenOffice and Microsoft Office both have unique word processing programs that are meant to run on a PC or a laptop computer. There are also programs that are meant to convert audio to text as if the computer was a secretary taking dictation. For those who can't type well or who have a dysfunction in the hands, this type of software helps them utilize their voices with the word processing program.

Accessories

Automated word processing requires an input device for the data to get to the software processing the text. The most common example of an automated word processor accessory is the keyboard, which is the main way that people interact with a variety of computers from desktop PCs to miniaturized netbook computers and a variety of technology in between. For the audio programs, though, you will need to have a microphone so that when you speak the computer can listen to your voice and translate it into text characters.

Hardware

For the word processing software to be hosted, you need to have the proper computer hardware to support it. For instance, you can put only the most basic word processing programs on a palm pilot because the hardware can only support basic software. However, more powerful desktop PCs can support a variety of word processing software and even word processing accessories because of the increased amount and size of the hardware available on that machine.