Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for processing errors in a computer system. The present invention scans information, generates an error unit for each error detected, provides an intuitive interface for communication of errors, and facilitates correction of errors. A data processing computer system of the present invention provides a proofreading capability for addressing errors such as spelling, grammar, usage, punctuation, broken words, doubled words, and capitalization. An error unit is created for each error detected during the proofreading scan of a document. An error unit uniquely identifies each error detected. Further, an error unit retains other information about an error including the error type, location, length, and correction status. The error unit is used to create a list of errors, or Error List. The Error List provides the ability to view errors in one location, and facilitates the error correction and proofreading process. Errors can be addressed in any order.