Circuit to enable foreground and background processing in a word processing system with circuits for performing a plurality of independently controlled functions

A word processing system, comprising:

• (a) processing means for processing information, said processing means having the capability for foreground/background operation, whereby a first job may be run in the foreground while a second job runs independently and concurrently in the background;
• (b) input means, operatively associated with said processing means for entering textual information and commands into said system, said input means normally operating under control of said foreground operation so that an operator can intervene in the processing of said first job, and said input means further comprising means for displaying information, said display means normally operating under control of said foreground and normally displaying information relating to said first job;
• and
• (c) said processing means being responsive to a command from said input means to transfer control of said input means to said background operation so that said display means displays information relating to said second job and so that said operator may intervene in the processing of said second job, and said processing means being responsive to a second subsequent command from said input means to retransfer control of said input means to said foreground operation.