Since word-processing is not really limited to programs like Word and WordPerfect but also email, message boards, and websites like RIA (though the former have more bells and whistles), word-processing has become embedded in our daily lives. As other comments have noted, the ability to cut, paste, edit and save draft documents in "soft" form has revolutionized communications, business and professions. Amateur publications now appear more professional, error corrections are made in a snap, and your lawyer doesn't have to draft a brand new will or cumbersome codicil when you change you last wishes (for instance). As a result, typewriters have now gone the way of the 8-track tape. Nevertheless, it is my understanding that (contrary to popular opinion) word-processors have actually increased the amount of paper consumed due to the ease of printing.

Using a computer for word-processing has been a godsend. Programs like Microsoft Word are definitely better than using the old typewriters that were used about 20 years ago, well before my time. A college student like me during those days would spend countless hours setting and resetting the typewriter to make sure that the margins were aligned etc...Word Processing programs now take care of that automatically. In addition, it checks spelling and grammar for you, avoiding those careless little mistakes that make research projects more polished and effective.

If I didn't have a word processor I couldn't do my schoolwork, so it's very important.

As someone who has written several short stories (none are published mind you, they have just been written.) And has won a couple poetry awards, I adore word processing programs, heck, I’m using one as I write this. (I use the program to write the comments, and then I copy and paste them into the site.) I have also written for several online communities over the past few years, so I’m here say, I adore word processing programs. I also enjoy the ones that come with the easy to customize data bases, as I keep a running account of all my DVD’s and music collection. There is even a customizable data base for recipes! Word processing programs have definitely helped save hundreds of tree in my case, not to mention if you multiply that times all the people who use them on a regular bases. When I started it was WordStar, then WordPerfect (which I still do use), then Word, and works and even others that I’m sure I’ve forgotten about. So if you have tons of options to choose from. These handy programs are used for everything from the fax sheets to the letters you get. They’re great!

If it wasn't for my computer making it SO EASY to type, write, and check / correct errors, I wouldn't write anywhere near as often as I do today. Some of you might think that's a bad thing, all you "not helpful" clickers out there. Tough toenails; I'm here to stay thanks to Microsoft Word!

Its very convinient to have a word processing tool at my disposal, considering that in High School, many teachers require that certain assignments be typed. It's so easy to have a word processor at my disposal rather than having to type it at the library. I really don't know what I would do without this feature.

I've used old-style (mechanical) typewriters before, and that lead to painful fingers and really short lists and letters. I've used electronic typewriters, which were much better, but if you type fast, you won't notice an error until maybe half a line of type afterwards. and correcting it is a pain in the butt. Then we have computerized word processing! Not only is it easy on the hands and easy to format and correct, but you can save a soft copy on your computer after you type it, and make multiple copies if you need it. Word processing on the computer offers many options that were previously unavailable through conventional standards (Great, now I feel old, and I'm only 22). The only gripe I have about computerized word processing is auto formatting (if I wanted to double-space, I would have specified it; and why is that stupid paperclip guy in the corner of my screen trying to tell me what to do? Ack!).

Word processing is a crucial factor when it comes to the computer. I use it every day.

an easy and convinient way to write my novels.

MS Word is a popular word processor and I do use it. I has flaws, like sometimes, it doesn't recover files when my brother suddenly pulls the plug. But it doesn't matter. I couldn't imagine wasting paper on a typewriter from editing when you could do it in one click. Filing documents have been a lot easier, you don't need to have bulky file cabinets. Plus, I have no idea how much liquid paper I'd have to waste, and pen ink if all my paperwork has to be done manually. Whoever invented this Word processing thing, THANK YOU VERY MUCH. BTW, manipulating word processing programs has been the first thing taught to me when I got in contact with a computer.

And MS Word is far easier to understand and learn than is WordPerfect!

From time to time you may hear someone say that they hate e-mail, could do without the web and would prefer to use one of those great old IBM Selectric typewriters to a word processor. This person will never be me. As a matter of fact, when I do hear statements like this I have the urge to ask them in what mental institution they currently reside. For those of us who once sat staring at a long research or term paper at one in the morning only to find a tiny little mistake that only meant another hour of re-typing, the computer word processor was like a gift from heaven. It was the point when we KNEW technology was our friend and we refused to turn back! With the possible exception of wanting an Internet connection, I would venture to say that this is one of the main reasons most people buy a computer for in the first place.