This color educational/training film is part 10 of a series about word processing. This was made in 1975, at a time when office computers were not yet inexpensive enough to be widely available. A series of smart typewriters, some of which had computer processors connected to them, emerged to displace the traditional office typewriter. These “word processors” were threatening to some, and intriguing to others. This film attempts to persuade the viewer that the future presented by word processors is attainable and bright.

Opening titles: Word Processing, a man collects the letters to spell out ‘word processing.’ 10. Word Processing: “Out” side of Word Processing (:07-:42). The man continues to pick up letters. Procedures-equipment-people diagram. A printer prints. A woman types. People type on word processors. People-Procedures-equipment is discussed. A Xerox processor is opened, we see a Levitron processing board inside (:43-2:17). A man explains the equipment used in word processing. The dictation equipment or Dictophone (2:24). Processing equipment (i.e. printers) are shown including at 2:33 an ICS Astrocomp. Types of word processors are shown including an Easy-Riter and an Editext 80, and a Vydec. Text editing typewriters. A woman types. A man makes revisions on a letter. Savin 900 Word Master test editing typewriter. (This unit, manufactured by Savin Business Machines Corporation, consists of a base plate which is attached to an IBM Selectric I or Selectric II typewriter, and a desktop console unit through which the operator controls the system’s functions . When typing, the keystrokes are recorded on a magnetic tape cassette in the console. Any revisions, deletions, additions or corrections can be inserted onto the tape, and the unit automatically types the edited document at 150 words per minute.) Others are shown, brands can’t be made out. A tape cartridge is held by hand, as is a tape cassette. A woman types. A printer at work (2:18-4:19). Magnetic recording device is in storage. A line or sentence is changed. Communicating text editors are being used. They are connected by telephone lines with other text editors. U.S. Navy uses these. Word processing equipment – a computer. Input terminal. A computer, a smaller computer, a micro-computer which has a display screen and a printer. Output terminal, a high speed printer or a text editing typewriter. A summary of what we’ve discussed is explained. Computer + input terminal + output terminal + computer word processing (4:20-7:16). Computer word processing has advantages over text editing typewriters. 4:19, Xerox printer. Computer screens shown. Fingers input keys. 5:13 an acoustic data coupler or modem is shown. Your needs for whether or not you need a computer: Applications, cost, maintenance, ease of operation, record retention, speed, appearance, future innovations, storage, and people. A booklet is opened. A lease letter is looked at. A printer prints. Manuals and brochures (7:17-9:15). A stack of mail. Financial pages. A carbon copy. Dick Perry, manager at Blue Cross in Wisconsin talks about using a word processor and what to look for and how to shop around (9:16-12:22). A word processor is taken apart. Dick Perry keeps explaining (12:23-13:02). Fade to black, no end credits.

ICS, or Information Control Systems (founded in 1962), was a computer programming and data processing company serving clients in the Midwestern United States.

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