Software models Word processor

toshiba jw-10, first word processor japanese language (1971–1978 ieee milestones)

in 1970s, computer scientist harold koplow hired wang laboratories program calculators. 1 of programs permitted wang calculator interface ibm selectric typewriter, @ time used calculate , print paperwork auto sales.

in 1974, koplow s interface program developed wang 1200 word processor, ibm selectric-based text-storage device. operator of machine typed text on conventional ibm selectric; when return key pressed, line of text stored on cassette tape. 1 cassette held 20 pages of text, , played (i.e., text retrieved) printing contents on continuous-form paper in 1200 typewriter s print mode. stored text edited, using keys on simple, six-key array. basic editing functions included insert, delete, skip (character, line), , on.

the labor , cost savings of device immediate, , remarkable: pages of text no longer had retyped correct simple errors, , projects worked on, stored, , retrieved use later on. rudimentary wang 1200 machine precursor of wang office information system (ois), introduced in 1976. true office machine, affordable organizations such medium-sized law firms, , learned , operated secretarial staff.

the wang not first crt-based machine nor of innovations unique wang. in 1970s linolex, lexitron , vydec introduced pioneering word-processing systems crt display editing. canadian electronics company, automatic electronic systems, had introduced product in 1972, went receivership year later. in 1976, refinanced canada development corporation, returned operation aes data, , went on market brand of word processors worldwide until demise in mid-1980s. first office product, aes-90, combined first time crt-screen, floppy-disk , microprocessor, is, same winning combination used ibm pc 7 years later. aes-90 software able handle french , english typing start, displaying , printing texts side-by-side, canadian government requirement. first 8 units delivered office of prime minister, pierre elliot trudeau, in february 1974. despite these predecessors, wang s product standout, , 1978 had sold more of these systems other vendor.

the phrase word processor rapidly came refer crt-based machines similar aes 90. numerous machines of kind emerged, typically marketed traditional office-equipment companies such ibm, lanier (marketing aes data machines, re-badged), cpt, , nbi. specialized, dedicated, proprietary systems, prices in $10,000 ballpark. cheap general-purpose computers still domain of hobbyists.

some of earliest crt-based machines used cassette tapes removable-memory storage until floppy diskettes became available purpose - first 8-inch floppy, 5¼-inch (drives shugart associates , diskettes dysan).

printing of documents accomplished using ibm selectric typewriters modified ascii-character input. these later replaced application-specific daisy wheel printers, first developed diablo, became xerox company, , later qume. quicker draft printing, dot-matrix line printers optional alternatives word processors.