Typing a letter and using a printer

[shadylane]

I want to use a computer to type a letter, then print it out.
What App is needed and where to begin?

[NormandieStill]

Microsoft Typewriter?

Obviously I'd rather recommend the open source typewriter but it's still a little buggy and the keys tend to stick. Steer clear of the Apple version. It's shiny and functions well but ties you to their platform and postal service and may require the recipient to subscribe to their services as well.

[shadylane]

I'm looking for simplicity, as in type the words then hit print.

[NormandieStill]

I'll stop being facetious then... thought it was a joke.

Any word-processor (Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer) will do. You'll need to choose a font size that corresponds to what you want to see on the page (they all have a "Print Preview" mode which will show you what it will look like on the page). Then you can print and stuff it in an envelope.

PM me if you want a full explanation for LibreOffice, I don't use MS products although the technique should be more or less the same.

[shadylane]

I'll stop being facetious then... thought it was a joke.

No hard feelings, I'm actually that computer illiterate.

[Swedish Pride]

If you have a google account you have access to their word processor by default.
Just type doc.new in the browser.

If you have a windows laptop and a printer connected clicking ctrl and P at the same time will bring up the printer properties

[shadylane]

That's what I was looking for.
Thank you Brother.

[3illmesmart]

Every computer has a text editor that you can type, print and save. There is usually the title printed on the top, if that is an issue.

[Swedish Pride]

That's what I was looking for.
Thank you Brother.

Happy to help lad

[contrahead]

I want to use a computer to type a letter, then print it out.
What App is needed and where to begin?

Windows (I am unfamiliar with any rendition newer than Win7 – and intend to stay that way) normally comes pre-packaged with a program called “WordPad”. WordPad is sort of a mini word processor; a bit more capable than a plain text editor (like MS Notepad) but without features like a spell checker, like a true word processor would have. WordPad might get your job done – with the least stress.

But if you need a better tool:
https://www.openoffice.org/
https://www.libreoffice.org/
<screw Google if you value privacy>

Common word processors are ( like NormandieStill mentioned) Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer and Apache OpenOffice (OOO). MS Word cost money $$$, the other two don't. LibreOffice and OOO forked (or split) from each other back in 2010. I chose OOO because my e-Bay purchased, used computer came with it, and because I consider it to be the simplest of the 3 afore mentioned “office productivity software suites”.

If there is anything I don't need - its to be bothered with learning the continually changing ins and outs of using a complicated word processor well. But unfortunately this pathetic old encephalon had to do just that recently. My new book should be released later this month, hopefully.

[PoolGuy]

Did you get your letter out Shady? Do you have a Windows computer?

[shadylane]

Not yet, waiting on a new printer to be delivered.

[Wildcats]

Good luck. We have a hell of a time with our printer. Always needs to update before it'll do anything. Pita

[PoolGuy]

If you have a Windows computer, a few tips...

Find the WINDOWS key on your keyboard. It is in lower left between CTRL and ALT. Hit the key, type a word, then hit enter. Try words like:

notepad
wordpad
printers
settings
calculator

Also, whenever you are ready to print something, hold down the CTRL key and hit the "P" key.

But get your printer first. Obviously.

[Yummyrum]

Good luck. We have a hell of a time with our printer. Always needs to update before it'll do anything. Pita

Same here Wildcats .Our latest one seems to be pretty reliable .....touch wood .It's a Brother .

The one before that was a Fuji Xerox .That son of a bitch was a nightmere . every time you went to print something ,it had dropped off the network and /or was in some "error status" . Only reliable way to use it was to connect it straight to PC with a USB cable . But then Mrs Yummy could never print anything off here Laptop .

One day I hear an almighty crash and she's given it a double fisted Karate chop ........hence the new one

Good luckwith your printer Shady . Hope it plugs and plays for you .
As far as Word processing goes , I use Microsoft Word . You're a smart fella , if you can get the Printer to work , you'll have no problems using it .
After all , you can navigate this Forum . If you can do that , you can do anything

[Demy]

In addition to what others have said, there is also a pre-installed "notepad"... it's really minimalist. I generally use Microsoft Word, there are also online services that do similar things.