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Word Processors Through Time: Before MS Word & Google Docs
People transferred messages to others and preserved their thoughts long before computers, word processors, and typewriters were invented. Yet, if we’d want to discuss everything an individual used as a writing device, we’d have to travel back to prehistoric times. Even ignoring cave paintings created with rocks or charcoal, our conversation would have to start with Ancient Egypt since the first known pen was developed in 3000 BC.
From the 6th century, people employed quill pens. Though modified and improved, they were primary writing tools for different professions and tasks, only on par with silverpoint and later pencils. It was only in the 19th century when ballpoint pens released people from ink and feathers.
In the infographic below, our team has considered what happened after pens and pencils.
- When was the first writing software invented?
- What did people use before MS Word and other widespread word processors became a thing?
Let’s find out.
References
- The Vintage Software Collection: Internet Archive
- Typewriter — Writing Technology: Britannica
- How to Write a History of Writing Software: The Atlantic
- Word Processors: Matthew Reed’s TRS-80
About Author
This article was developed by the editorial team of Custom-Writing.org, a professional writing service with 3-hour delivery.
AGENTS & EDITORS
CHARACTERIZATION
- 5 Tips for Writing Conflict into Your Book
- 60 Ways to Create and Heighten Conflict
- Craft True-to-Life Nonfiction Characters
- Crafting Romantic Suspense
- Dynamic Characters
- Fiction vs Nonfiction
- How to Write Effective Dialogue in 6 Steps
- How to Write Engaging Dialogue in Your Fictional Stories
- Knowing and Finding Your Voice
- Love to Write: Here Is How You Can Build Your Career
- Painting With A Character’s Brush
- The Sticky Story
- What is Characterization?
- Why Your Story Conflict Isn’t Working (And How to Fix It)
- Working with a Critique Group
FORMATING & GRAMMAR
- Achieving 250 Words / 25 Lines Per Page
- And Sammy, too? Oh, No!
- Changing Double Hyphens to EM Dashes in Word
- Edit Easier
- High Hopes–Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Misused Words
- Navigating In Your Novel
- Proofreaders Marks
- Research Links
- Rules for Writers
- Slang and Jargon Souces
- Tightening Your Manuscript and Trimming the Word Count
INTERVIEWS - PRESS JOBS
JOBS
- 35 Online Work Ideas to Earn Good Money Whilst Studying
- Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
- An Interview with Holly Ambrose
- EBooks-Fears to Possibilities
- Finding Markets Fiction and Nonfiction
- Freelance Writing 101
- Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
- How To Market Your Book After You’ve Written It
- Magazine Links
- Making Money As a Corporate Freelancer
- Market News–All Genres
- Need a Clip? Open a Newspaper
- Newspaper Writing Resources
- Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
- Selling to Children’s Markets
- Submitting to UK Markets
- Syndication 101
- The Power of the Press
- To Specialize, or Not to Specialize?
- Ultimate Guide to Being a Freelancer 2023 Update
- Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
- Why E-Books?
- Words That Pay-The Rewards Of Choosing Writing As A Job
- Write Your Way to $1000 a Month
- Writing Groups List
- Youth Writing Markets
QUERIES - PROPOSALS
- Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
- Finding Markets Fiction and Nonfiction
- Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
- How to Write a Novel Synopsis
- Path to Self-Publishing Success
- Publishers Tip Sheets Non-Fiction
- Submission Tracking
- Surviving a Book Proposal
- What Are Your Chances of Getting Published?
- Write the Perfect Book Proposal
- Writing a Synopsis & Query Letter
PUBLISHING
- Agents: Knowing When To Hold One and When To Fold
- Copyright Primer, Know Your Rights
- Getting Offers from Multiple Literary Agents
- How To Market Your Book After You’ve Written It
- How to Write a Novel Synopsis
- Love to Write: Here Is How You Can Build Your Career
- Making Money As a Corporate Freelancer
- Path to Self-Publishing Success
- Publisher’s Websites
- Publishing, Writing Terms, Acronyms
- Science Writing Organizations
- Submission Tracking
- Syndication 101
- The Great Limbo Mystery Question
- What Are Your Chances of Getting Published?
- Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
- Why E-Books?
- Write the Perfect Book Proposal
SYNOPSIS
TIP SHEETS & GUIDELINES
WRITING CONTESTS
WRITING CONTESTS
.
• ALL WRITING CONTESTS
- 2024 OCT Writing Contests
- 2024 SEP Writing Contests
- 2024 AUG Writing Contests
- 2024 JUL Writing Contests
- 2024 JUN Writing Contests
- 2024 MAY Writing Contests
- 2024 APR Writing Contests
- 2024 MAR Writing Contests
- 2024 FEB Writing Contests
- 2024 JAN Writing Contests
- 2023 DEC Contests, Workshops, Webinars
- 2023 NOV Contests, Workshops, Webinars
ABOUT WRITING CONTESTS
WRITER'S LIFE
- A Dream Realized
- A Writers Dream-The Home Office
- Affirm All You Want
- Finding Time to Write
- Finding Your Writing Compass: A Guide to Freelance Adventures
- How To Be a (Shiver) Reporter
- How To Write Your Own Press Releases
- Keep a Clipping File
- Keeping an Idea Book
- Love to Write: Here Is How You Can Build Your Career
- Making Time for Self-Care While Running a Business
- Mommy’s Muse
- Moving Mountains
- Mud Pies
- Teach Yourself to Write
- The 8 Habits of Highly Successful Young-Adult Fiction Authors
- The Art of Procrastination
- Various Types of Writing for Young Writers
- Working with a Critique Group
- Writer’s Conferences Do You Really Need To Attend?
- Writing Conferences-Educating and Inspiring
WRITING TOOLS
- Edit Easier
- Free AI Tools That Can Be Used In Business Writing
- Keep a Clipping File
- Keeping an Idea Book
- Making Time for Self-Care While Running a Business
- Science Writing Organizations
- The Art of Being Rejected–475 Words
- Tightening Your Manuscript and Trimming the Word Count
- Various Types of Writing for Young Writers
- Why Article Writing Should Be A Part Of Your Career Development Strategy
- Word Processors Through Time: Before MS Word & Google Docs
- Working with a Critique Group
- Writer’s Conferences Do You Really Need To Attend?