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Alternate titles: multiprogramming
By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Table of ContentsKey People:Edgar Frank Codd...[Show more]Related Topics:computer multiprocessing interrupt signal...[Show more]
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multitasking, the running of multiple programs [sets of instructions] in one computer at the same time. Multitasking is used to keep all of a computer’s resources at work as much of the time as possible. It is controlled by the operating system, which loads programs into the computer for processing and oversees their execution until they are finished.
Multitasking involves overlapping and interleaving the execution of several programs. This is often achieved by capitalizing on the difference between a computer’s rapid processing capacity and the slower rates of its input/output devices. While the computer is reading data from a disk at a fairly limited rate, for example, its powerful central processor can execute at high speed another program that involves extensive calculations but very little input. Operating systems coordinate the competing demands of various programs in a variety of ways. Multiple programs can be executed on a computer using a foreground/background system, in which the computer executes the instructions of one program only in between the times it devotes to running other programs of higher priority. Such a system makes use of idle times in some tasks, such as the minute delays between keyboard entries, to execute instructions in the background program. In many multitasking operations, a computer’s microprocessors switch their attention back and forth between different programs in fractions of seconds.
In this section, we will show you all headlines about this entire article; you can check them as your choice; below shown all:- What is Multitasking in OS?
- Types of Multitasking Operating System
- Examples of Multitasking Operating System
- Advantages of Multitasking Operating System
- Disadvantages of Multitasking Operating System
- FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
- What is multitasking operating system with example?
- What is meant by a multitasking operating system?
- What are the different types of multitasking operating system in computer?
- What are the best examples of multitasking operating system?
- What are the main advantages of multitasking in OS?
- What are the challenges of multitasking OS?
Let’s Get Started!!
Types of Multitasking Operating System
There are different types of multitasking OS and below explained each one in detail:
True Multitasking
True multitasking is the capable for executing and process multiple tasks concurrently without taking delay instead of switching tasks from one processor to other processor. It can perform couple of tasks in parallel with underlying the H/W or S/W.
Preemptive Multitasking
Preemptive multitasking is special task that is assigned to computer operating system, in which it takes decision that how much time spent by one task before assigning other task for using the operating system. Operating system has control for completing this entire process, so it is known as “Preemptive”.
Cooperative Multitasking
Cooperative multitasking is known as “Non-Preemptive Multitasking”. Main goal of Cooperative multitasking is to run currently task, and to release the CPU to allow another task run. This task is performed by calling taskYIELD[].Context-switch is executed when this function is called.
Examples of Multitasking Operating System
There are some examples of multi tasking OS like as –
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 10
- Windows 2000
- IBM’s OS/390
- Linux
- UNIX
Advantages of Multitasking Operating System
Time Shareable
In which, all tasks are allocated specific piece of time, so they do not need for waiting time for CPU.
Manage Several Users
This operating system is more comfort for handling the multiple users concurrently, and several programs can run smoothly without degradation of system’s performance.
Secured Memory
Multitasking operating system has well defined memory management, because this operating system does not provide any types of permissions of unwanted programs to wasting the memory.
Great Virtual Memory
Multitasking operating system contains the best virtual memory system. Due to virtual memory, any program do not need long waiting g time for completion their tasks, if this problem is occurred then those programs are transferred to virtual memory.
Background Processing
Multitasking operating system creates the better environment to execute the background programs. These background programs are not transparent for normal users, but these programs help to run other programs smoothly such as firewall, antivirus software, and more.
Good Reliability
Multitasking operating system provides the several flexibilities for multiple users, and they are more satisfied to them. On which, every users can operate single or multiple programs with smoothly.
Use Multiple Programs
Users can operate multiple programs such as internet browser, PowerPoint, MS Excel, games, and other utilities concurrently.
Optimize Computer Resources
Multitasking operating system is able to handle smoothly multiple computers’ resources such as RAM, input/output devices, CPU, hard disk, and more.
Disadvantages of Multitasking Operating System
Memory Boundation
Computer can get slow performance, due to run multiple programs at a same time because main memory gets more load while loading multiple programs. CPU is not able to provide separate time for every program, and its response time gets increase. Main reason of occurring this problem is that it uses to less capacity RAM. So, for getting solution can be increased the RAM capacity.
Processor Boundation
Computer can run programs slowly due to slow speed of their processors, and its response time can increase while handling multiple programs. Need better processing power, to overcome this problem.
CPU Heat up
Multiple processors become busier at a time for executing any task in multitasking nature, So CPU produces more heat.
FAQs [Frequently Asked Questions]
What is multitasking operating system with example?
a multitasking operating system lets the user to execute more than one operation of any application program at a same time. For examples are Windows XP, Windows Vista, Linux, UNIX, and more.
What is meant by a multitasking operating system?
A multitasking operating system represents to a logical extension of the multiprogramming OS that allows users to run multiple programs simultaneously on the computer system.
What are the different types of multitasking operating system in computer?
There are the four kinds of multitasking OS like as True Multitasking, Pre-emptive Multitasking, and Cooperative Multitasking.
What are the best examples of multitasking operating system?
- Windows Vista
- Windows XP
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 10
- Linux
- UNIX
What are the main advantages of multitasking in OS?
- In which, all tasks are allocated specific piece of time, so they do not need for waiting time for CPU.
- Multitasking operating system has well defined memory management, because this operating system does not provide any types of permissions of unwanted programs to wasting the memory.
What are the challenges of multitasking OS?
Computer can run programs slowly due to slow speed of their processors, and its response time can increase while handling multiple programs. Need the better processing power to overcome this problem.
Multiple processors become busier at a time for executing any task in multitasking nature, So CPU produces more heat.
Summing Up
Through this article, you have been fully learnt about what is multitasking operating system with its examples and types; involving with many advantages and disadvantages of multitasking OS with ease. If this article is useful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.