Electric Pencil
Encyclopedia
Electric Pencil, released in December 1976 by Michael Shrayer, was the first word processor
for home computers.
Having never heard of a "word processor
", Shrayer nonetheless believed that he should be able to use his computer, instead of a typewriter, to write documentation for his program, and thus wrote another program—the first word processor for a microcomputer—to do so with. Electric Pencil for the Altair appeared in December 1976, and the version for the Sol-20 became especially popular. As no large network of computer stores existed, Shrayer formed Michael Shrayer Software Inc.—a decision he regretted, as naming the company after himself cost him his privacy—advertised in computer magazines such as BYTE
, and sold the program via mail order. Electric Pencil required 8K of memory and an Intel 8080
or Zilog Z-80 processor. As customers requested the program for their specific computers and operating systems he ported the word processor to each, resulting in 78 versions including the NorthStar Horizon
and TRS-80
.
Electric Pencil might have continued to dominate the market had Shrayer continued to update it. Many imitators appeared, however, including WordStar
and Magic Wand
, both of which surpassed the original's popularity as Shrayer became bored with programming and sold its rights to others. Electric Pencil remained on the market into the 1980s, including a version for the IBM PC
in 1983.
Word processor
A word processor is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material....
for home computers.
History
In 1975, the "laid-back" Shrayer was "semi-retired" from 20 years as a New York filmmaker, and had moved to California for a quieter life. Enjoying assembling electronic kits, he purchased and assembled a MITS Altair computer, then modified a public-domain assembler program for the Processor Technology Sol-20. Fellow computer hobbyists wanted to buy the improved program, giving Shrayer an unexpected and lucrative new business.Having never heard of a "word processor
Word processor
A word processor is a computer application used for the production of any sort of printable material....
", Shrayer nonetheless believed that he should be able to use his computer, instead of a typewriter, to write documentation for his program, and thus wrote another program—the first word processor for a microcomputer—to do so with. Electric Pencil for the Altair appeared in December 1976, and the version for the Sol-20 became especially popular. As no large network of computer stores existed, Shrayer formed Michael Shrayer Software Inc.—a decision he regretted, as naming the company after himself cost him his privacy—advertised in computer magazines such as BYTE
Byte (magazine)
BYTE magazine was a microcomputer magazine, influential in the late 1970s and throughout the 1980s because of its wide-ranging editorial coverage...
, and sold the program via mail order. Electric Pencil required 8K of memory and an Intel 8080
Intel 8080
The Intel 8080 was the second 8-bit microprocessor designed and manufactured by Intel and was released in April 1974. It was an extended and enhanced variant of the earlier 8008 design, although without binary compatibility...
or Zilog Z-80 processor. As customers requested the program for their specific computers and operating systems he ported the word processor to each, resulting in 78 versions including the NorthStar Horizon
NorthStar Horizon
Introduced in October 1977, the NorthStar Horizon was an 8-bit computer system based on the ZiLOG Z80A microprocessor. It was produced by North Star Computers, and it could be purchased either in kit form or pre-assembled....
and TRS-80
TRS-80
TRS-80 was Tandy Corporation's desktop microcomputer model line, sold through Tandy's Radio Shack stores in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The first units, ordered unseen, were delivered in November 1977, and rolled out to the stores the third week of December. The line won popularity with...
.
Electric Pencil might have continued to dominate the market had Shrayer continued to update it. Many imitators appeared, however, including WordStar
WordStar
WordStar is a word processor application, published by MicroPro International, originally written for the CP/M operating system but later ported to DOS, that enjoyed a dominant market share during the early to mid-1980s. Although Seymour I...
and Magic Wand
Magic Wand (software)
Magic Wand is the name of a piece of word-processing software for CP/M-based computers first released in 1979, written by Mike Griffin. Les Pinter was COO and Bill Radding was VP of Marketing...
, both of which surpassed the original's popularity as Shrayer became bored with programming and sold its rights to others. Electric Pencil remained on the market into the 1980s, including a version for the IBM PC
IBM PC
The IBM Personal Computer, commonly known as the IBM PC, is the original version and progenitor of the IBM PC compatible hardware platform. It is IBM model number 5150, and was introduced on August 12, 1981...
in 1983.