Background processing
From The Glossary of Digital Photography
A function on a computer that allows the operator to continue working on one task in the foreground while the computer works on something different in the background. The computer could be printing in the background, downloading images, or backing up a disk while the operator retouches a photograph. This allows a more efficient workflow and helps to maximize productivity. The more functions the computer is carrying out, the more powerful the computer needs to be.
