IBM Selectric Word processor

a 4-user astrotype system using dec pdp minicomputer , ibm selectric terminals.

the ibm selectric typewriter highly successful model line of electric typewriters introduced in 1961. expensive typewriter, written , improved between 1961 , 1962 steve piner , l. peter deutsch, text editing program ran on dec pdp-1 computer @ mit. since drive ibm selectric typewriter (a letter-quality printer), may considered first word processing program, term word processing introduced, ibm s böblingen laboratory in late 1960s.

in 1969, 2 software based text editing products (astrotype , astrocomp) developed , marketed information control systems (ann arbor michigan). both products used digital equipment corporation pdp-8 mini computer, dectape (4” reel) randomly accessible tape drives, , modified version of ibm selectric typewriter (the ibm 2741 terminal). these 1969 products preceded crt display-based word processors. text editing done using line numbering system viewed on paper copy inserted in selectric typewriter.

by 1971 word processing recognized new york times buzz word . 1974 times article referred brave new world of word processing or w/p. s international business machines talk... i.b.m. introduced w/p 5 years ago magnetic tape selectric typewriter , other electronic razzle-dazzle.

ibm defined term in broad , vague way combination of people, procedures, , equipment transforms ideas printed communications, , used include dictating machines , ordinary, manually operated selectric typewriters. seventies, however, term understood mean semiautomated typewriters affording @ least form of editing , correction, , ability produce perfect originals. thus, times headlined 1974 xerox product speedier electronic typewriter , went on describe product, had no screen, word processor rather strictly typewriter, in stores copy on magnetic tape or magnetic cards retyping, corrections, , subsequent printout.