Abstract: A method for processing text in a system including a host computer having a central memory unit for storing text data and a terminal unit having a local memory and a keyboard for receiving operator inputs. The host computer transfers a portion of text data to the terminal unit local memory, the terminal unit generates text editing inputs to alter the data, and the data in the local memory are altered accordingly. The terminal unit assembles audit messages which indicate a fundamental operation requested by the text editing inputs, e.g., insert text, delete text, replace text, etc., and contain the information necessary for the host computer to effect it. The audit meassages are subsequently sent to the host computer so that the host computer may alter the text in the central memory unit according to the fundamental operation indicated by the audit message.