WORD PROCESSING:

Many students find the use of a word processing package invaluable in both writing and research; in fact many coursework assignments require the material to be word-processed.  There are many word processing packages on the market but one of the most popular and the one accepted as standard for the university is Microsoft® 'Word®'.

Word processors give you the opportunity to store, retrieve, amend, re-arrange, print, or even electronically distribute your writing with much greater ease than hand-written or typed material and many students are familiar with their basic functions.  To make the most effective use of your time at university and to improve your employability skills, you should also ensure that you are able, in addition to the basic functions noted above, use the following features:

• Arranging the format or appearance of the text on the screen by the use of italic or boldface typefaces and the selection and correct use of different fonts and font sizes.
  
  
• Using heading and type styles to ensure consistency throughout a report.
  
  
• Setting of page margins (top, bottom, right-hand and left-hand page side).
  
  
• Setting tabulation settings (so pressing the tab key indents the text insertion point to predefined position).
  
  
• Adjusting the justification of the text.
  
  
• Positioning the text, to 'left align', 'centred' or 'right aligned'.
  
  
• Adjusting the automatic page numbering.
  
  
• Adjusting the line spacing.
  
  
• Inserting figures and graphs and formatting their borders.
  
  
• Using the spelling checker, thesauri and grammar checker.
  
  
• Setting suitable running heads and footers at the top and bottom of the pages.
  
  
• Using the 'print preview' feature to view the finished material before printing.
  
  
• Inserting mathematical and other special symbols and equations.

Keeping Track
The most difficult aspect of working with computers is keeping track of the information you enter.  The following suggestions may therefore be useful:

• Name a new file as soon as you start it.
• Use a file name which reminds you of the contents.
• Put the file name and where it is stored (floppy disk number etc.), into a 'footer'.  If you need to find the file later, the information will be on the printed copy.
• Use a different file and new name for each draft.
• Save your work every 10 to 15 minutes.
• Make hard copies, especially of assessed work.