A word processor is a program used for typing
documents.
If you do not have a
word processor program such as Microsoft Word you can still type letters and
other papers using WordPad. This program is included with most versions of
Microsoft™ Windows.
Don’t let its
being “almost free” lead to you doubting the power of this program. If you
are using your computer in a home or hobby environment WordPad may be all the
word processing power you need.
Simple Computer
Glossary
| Click or mouse click |
A single click on the left mouse button |
| Double Click |
Two clicks on the left mouse button. The clicks
should be done quickly, and you should be careful not to move the mouse
when you click. Often used to open a program or document. |
| Right Mouse Click |
Click the right mouse button. A context menu will pop
up that allows you to use certain shortcuts unique to the operation you
are performing. |
| Select |
When you have selected text it will be
highlighted. Once you have selected text it can be copied so you
can paste it somewhere else |
Open WordPad in Windows 95, 98 and ME
Click Start
Click Programs
Click Accessories
Click WordPad
Open WordPad in Windows XP
Click Start
Click All Programs
Click Accessories
Click WordPad
Using WordPad
The program opens to a blank page for you to type on. When
you are finished typing the document you can save it, print it, or exit WordPad
without saving.
To save: Go to the Menu Bar, Click File. When
the menu expands click on Save As. This will open a box that allows you
to choose where you will save the file and to name the file. It
is probably best to save the document somewhere in the My Documents Folder
You will type the name you want to use in the second box from the bottom
(labelled: file name).
Single click the save button and your file will be saved.
It is not necessary to save all documents. Just the ones you will want to access
at a later date.
To print the document:
Ensure that the printer is on Click File, then Click
Print. This will open the Print
Dialogue Box, allowing you to print the document.
Making Changes, New Documents, Open
Existing Documents
To make changes to the current document put the
cursor where you want to make the change and type in what you want. You can use
the delete key or the backspace key to erase words or letters you want erased.
To type a new document: Click File, then click new.
If you haven't saved the previous document you will be given a reminder and a
chance to save it. If you do not want to save it Click No.
To open an existing document: (one you have saved
previously) Click File, then Click Open. You will be
presented with a list of saved documents. Double Click on the
document you want opened (or single click on it and then click open). The saved
document will then be opened and you can print it, or make changes
Copying
and Pasting
Copying Text from a document to use in another document or
in another place in the same document:
Drag the cursor
to highlight the text you want copied. When it is highlighted Click Edit then Click
Copy.
To place the text elsewhere: place the cursor where
you want the text placed. Click edit then click paste.
This is
just a quick look at a very useful program. It might be well worth the
effort to spend some time exploring WordPad, and its many useful
features.
Try WordPad. You may find that you have no need to purchase
a more expensive word processing program. Although this is a simple word
processor the techniques you have learned will be similar to those used in
Microsoft™ Word and many other advanced word processors.
If
the time comes that you want to upgrade to Microsoft Word™
contact us
for a bargain price
Click
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