a method and apparatus for concurrently displaying respective images representing real - time data and non - real - time data operates by receiving non - real - time data and receiving real - time data . a windowing operating system is executed for controlling the operation of an application program which is responsive to the non - real - time data , for conditioning a display device to display respective images representing the non - real - time data . a real - time display process is executed concurrently with , but independently from , the windowing operating system , for conditioning the display device to display respective images representing the real - time data concurrently with the display of the non - real - time data .