This chapter defines word processing, its features, functions, and operations. Word processing has been ranked as the number one usefor students and teachers. The chapter gives the historical background of word processing, as well as its components. Five considerations for selecting word processing programs are hardware compatibility, the program's general features, standard editing features, formatting functions, and instructional design. Cost effectiveness and technical support must also be considered. A checklist for evaluating software is included, along with ways to integrate word processing activities into the classroom.
