Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing (also now called "digital publishing" software is designed to compose newsletters, posters, booklets...more than documents.
"My word processing software program already does this. Why do I need Desktop Publishing software?"
You may not need it. But, you may want to make that decision after you learn more about it. Then, you may choose to stay with your word processing program. Work with what you can work with best.
Software Available
CorelDraw Graphics Suite is Corel's lower end (if you can call $399 lower end)
Microsoft Publisher is the most popular desk top publishing programs (perhaps because it less than $150). If you have experience with a word processing program you can use it right away.
PageMaker by Adobe (originally by Aldus) is still around. InDesign , PakeMaker's replacement, was produced as Adobe's attempt to lure away Quark users.
Adobe's InDesign will demand both more money and more time to learn how to use it.
QuarkXPress is often the choice of professional printers. Like InDesign, it is expensive and has a steep learning curve.
Ventura Publisher (now owned by Corel) has been a favorite of high school annual staffs.
Why Desktop Publishing?
More control of output. Settings include color/grayscale/cmyk settings to include in the published file for use with professional printing equipment.
"Granular"/precise control of composition. User has more control of a precise location on a page for a word, wordart, graphic, or image.
More viewing options. With professional size composition monitors, users can have one page magnified or several pages smaller (but still big enough) to work with.
Layering. Building a look by layering (putting on top of one another) graphics, images, and words together. Yet once assembled, each component can be intricately edited.
Multiple output formats: web, pdf, print ready.