1.1 Introduction
A word processor (WP) is a device or computer program that provides for input, editing, formatting, and output of text, often with some additional features (Enterprise, 1981 and Waterhouse et al., 1979). Early word processors were stand-alone devices dedicated to the function, but current word processors are word processor programs running on general purpose computers. The functions of a word processor program fall somewhere between those of a simple text editor and a fully functioned desktop publishing program. However, the distinctions between these three have changed over time and were unclear after 2010 (Amanda et al., 2010; PCWorld, 2012).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Limitations of the Study and Definition of technical terms.
1.2 Background of Study
The term word processing appeared in American offices in early 1970s centered on the idea of streamlining the work to typists, but the meaning soon shifted toward the automation of the whole editing cycle. Word processors did not develop out of computer technology. Rather, they evolved from mechanical machines and only later did they merge with the computer field (Jonathan, 1984). The history of word processing is the story of the gradual automation of the physical aspects of writing and editing, and then to the refinement of the technology to make it available to corporations and Individuals.
At first, the designers of word processing systems combined existing technologies with emerging ones to develop stand-alone equipment, creating a new business distinct from the emerging world of the personal computer. The concept of word processing arose from the more general data processing, which since the 1950s had been the application of computers to business administration (Kleinschrod, 1971).
Consequently, computers are becoming indispensable. This is obviously true in developed countries like Nigeria is gradually being gravitated into computer oriented society with professional like engineers, analysts, designer etc. this might being enormous emphasis on design and implementation of some parts in the computer as well as the electronic circuits. We have to design this simple text editor and word processing package and at least come out with an output design from a computer system that could serve as a stepping stone towards building of other text editing and simple word processing package and took more promising in the near future.
Since, a simple word processor act as that part of a computer system that receives and stores instruction and data, performs arithmetic and logic operations and directs the actions of input and output devices a statistical data assembled by a typical computer expert is enormous and the processing the job is tasking and inefficient. The implementation of computers that will enhance the efficiency of the processing of the statistical data is highly desirable. The power and flexibility of computers in handling and processing various types of data and also for accurately calculation of complex equation is great assets in the effective management at of computerizes. Through intensive research we know that problem of delay in the computer will take of at least to a reasonable extent to enhance efficiency, accuracy and speed processing.
Designing and implementation are learnt in this project computer science course is relatively a new subject, its importance cannot be our emphasized with respect to the designing and implementation in word processing packages either in science, engineering, military business, industry and government. Rate of processing of a proposed form, certification and designing of word processor even if they design the rate of implementing is very low, since it involves writing it, which is done manually. An introduction of the designer of the simple word processor was carried out and also displayed to introduce the users and the maker of the operation of the simple word processor. After the message is displayed, it is made to wait on the screen till one has enough time to record it after which the user presses they key to continue if there is any need to press the key.
1.3 Statement of Problem
Processing data of all sorts is relatively low, since it involve writing which is done manually. Misusing it computer keyboard, and lack of cohesion on the part of users, frequently do occur. It is well noted that there are sometimes.
Unnecessary, there is delays and difficult routine papers works, which are, involved in simple word processing and text editing.
As these things are brought to light, there is then a need to design our own self-satisfactory package that could be used to carry out these functions by all users. These objectives could be reached by integrating the existing system into the proposed system and package.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to design and implement a simple word processor. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows to develop an application software that will:
- Enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the processing of the statistical data is highly desirable.
- Receive and store instruction and data,
- Perform arithmetic and logic operations and directs the actions of input and output devices
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to computer operators and other researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the design and implementation of simple word processor using Microsoft word as a case study.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
1.8 Definition of Terms
Database: A collection of logically related data to meet the information need of organization.
DBMS: Database management software that enable the user to define, maintain Control the database.
