Abstract: A computer system operating under software control to provide output to a printer for printing. The computer system sets printer parameters to accommodate different forms of output to the printer. A word processing program stored in the computer memory is executed to couple information for printing to the printer with the printer in a first set of printer states. A typewriter emulator program stored in the computer memory is executable to couple information for printing to the printer and to set the printer states. The word processing program is interrupted by a hot key depressed by an operator, and the typewriter emulator program is entered, with the printer states being set in dependence upon printer state information for the typewriter emulator. When the typewriter emulator is interrupted by a hot key, the then-current printer states are stored and a set of default printer states for the word processor are restored prior to returning to execution of the word processing software.