How to retrieve it

Do different programs have different ways of doing word processing or are they similar, such as Word and Clarisworks?

Most word processing programs work very similarly. Generally, once you know how to use one kind of program, many of the skills can transfer to another.  Menu items may just be located in different places.

Can you retrieve deleted items? Is there a time limit on this?

Yes, you can retrieve deleted items as long as you don't empty the trash (on a Mac) or the recycle bin (on a PC).

To retrieve the deleted item, just drag the item bag out of the trash or recycling bin.

To delete the item permanently: 

On a Mac, click Special and then Empty Trash

On a PC, double-click the recycling bin and then click File > Empty Trash

Note: to make more space on your computer, you must actually empty the trash or recycling bin because otherwise it is not really deleted from your computer and still taking up space.

What if you are cut off without saving your work? Can this be retrieved?

If you get cut off without saving, sometimes the computer creates a recovered file.  This will automatically open the next time you open the software that you were using. 

The best way to prevent losing your work is to set up the software to automatically save every few minutes.  In Word, click Tools menu and select Preferences. Click the Save tab.  Check off "Save Auto Recover Info" and then select how often you want it to save. Sadly this only works on mac.

If you want to save it an easy way is to press control and save.