Why invest in sofware, when typewriters are cheap. There must be some reason to buy Word .?

Question

MS Word is the word processing software for a relatively expensive application suite. Think about word processing in general and Word specifically. Why invest in sofware, when typewriters are cheap. There must be some reason to buy Word

Answer 1

Word provides reusability. If you have a resume that you update frequently, or any other document, you don't have to type it all over again - you just edit the changes and save and print. Also, you can format the font in any way, insert pictures, and so on. Many tools really help you also, like spellcheck, thesaurus, formatting wizards, etc.

Also, your file is saved just in case your dog eats your paper. Just open the file, print, and close and it's as good as new.

Here's a blog entry about this debate:
http://invisiblelibrary.blogspot.com/2003/05/typewriter-vs.html

Answer 2

Wow . . . there isn't enough room here for me to reply with a complete answer. Just kidding, of course, but I'm old enough to have used a manual typewriter as part of my job before progressing to many generations of electrics, then to word processing. And word processing is absolutely the best thing since sliced bread.

If you do any significant writing . . . especially creative writing that includes multiple rewrites, editing, more rewrites and more editing . . . you would know why I am infatuated with word processing.

-You can change something while saving the original, track every edit you make, and save different versions without ever touching a piece of paper.
-When you are ready to print a copy . . . or two or three . . . no carbons needed.
-And saving your work requires no file cabinets . . . just a little hard drive that takes up very little space.

Answer 3

In a word processor you can EDIT, you can't add or delete paragraphs or sentences with a typewriter without retyping at least the whole page. In the case of a multi-page document, adding or deleting an entire paragraph might lead to retyping the whole document from there on. Also in a word processor, you can change fonts for effect, change font size, color, add graphics, and send the file to anyone who needs a copy instead of going to a copier and making a dozen copies

Answer 4

I have worked on typewriters, before Word came in. Word is damn easy, you can read, reread, just type and let it be for 15 days before you come back and redo it. And not to mention copy paste.

Answer 5

A typewriter can not change font size, face and style.
A typewriter can not do justify.
A typewriter can not do complex page layout.
A typewriter can not place images, graphics on paper.
Need I say more?

Answer 6

Typewritters cost money also.

There are free office suites available. Take a look at www.openoffice.org.