Abstract: A word processing system having foreground and background modes of operation, wherein the full capability of the word processing system is available to both the foreground mode and background mode. The system comprises a display, a processor system for processing information and controlling the display and having foreground/background capability so that two jobs may run concurrently, a first buffer for storing information relating to a first job being run in the foreground mode, a second buffer for storing information relating to a second job being run in the background mode, and an input device for entering textual and command information into the system. Information in the first buffer is displayed on the display.