What is Multitasking?
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Multitasking in a computer refers to the ability of the operating system to run multiple applications or processes simultaneously. In other words, it allows users to work on several tasks at the same time without having to close one application to open another.
Multitasking has become an essential feature of modern computers as it enables users to be more productive, efficient and saves time. This article will explore multitasking in a computer, its benefits, and how it works.
Types of Multitasking:-
There are two types of multitasking in a computer:-
1:- Preemptive multitasking:
This type of multitasking is used in modern operating systems, where the operating system manages the execution of multiple tasks or processes simultaneously. The operating system assigns time slices to each task or process, allowing them to execute for a specific period before switching to another task or process. The time slice is typically a few milliseconds, and it gives the illusion that all tasks or processes are running simultaneously.
2:- Cooperative multitasking:
This type of multitasking is used in older operating systems, where the tasks or processes rely on each other to give up control voluntarily. In cooperative multitasking, a task or process can hold onto the CPU for as long as it wants, which can lead to other tasks or processes becoming unresponsive.
Benefits of Multitasking
Better Resource Utilization:
Multitasking enables the computer to use its resources efficiently. Instead of running one application at a time, the computer can run multiple applications simultaneously, thereby utilizing its resources better.
Improved User Experience:
How Multitasking Works
Multitasking works by dividing the CPU's time into small time slices and assigning these slices to each task or process. The operating system uses a scheduler to manage the execution of tasks or processes, and it assigns each task or process a priority level based on its importance.
When a user starts an application, the operating system creates a new process and assigns it a priority level. The operating system then assigns a time slice to the process and allows it to execute. When the time slice expires, the operating system saves the process's current state and switches to another process with a higher priority level.
The operating system continues to switch between processes until all processes are complete. Multitasking ensures that no process or task takes up too much CPU time, allowing other processes to execute simultaneously.
What is Multiprogramming?
Multiprogramming is a concept in computer science where multiple programs are run by a computer simultaneously. This technique is widely used to maximize the utilization of system resources and improve overall system performance.
In multiprogramming, a computer system has the ability to execute multiple programs at the same time. This is achieved by dividing the computer's processing time into small time slices or quantum, and allocating a portion of each time slice to different programs. These programs are loaded into the computer's memory and executed concurrently, with the CPU switching between them rapidly, giving the illusion that they are running simultaneously.
Multiprogramming was first introduced in the late 1950s and early 1960s, as computers became more powerful and capable of handling multiple tasks. It was initially used in batch processing, where a series of jobs were submitted to the computer, which would then execute them in sequence. However, with the introduction of interactive computing, multiprogramming became even more important.
One of the key benefits of multiprogramming is that it allows for better resource utilization. When a program is waiting for input or output operations to complete, the CPU can be assigned to another program, thereby making better use of the available processing power. In addition, since programs are executed concurrently, the overall throughput of the system can be improved, enabling more work to be done in a shorter amount of time.
Another advantage of multiprogramming is that it allows for more efficient use of memory. Instead of having to load and unload each program separately, multiple programs can be loaded into memory at the same time, and their memory space can be shared. This can help to reduce the overall memory usage of the system, allowing it to handle more programs at once.
Multiprogramming is also used in modern operating systems, where it is often referred to as multitasking. This allows users to run multiple programs at the same time, and switch between them seamlessly. This is an essential feature of modern computing, as it allows users to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, improving their productivity and overall experience.
However, there are also some challenges associated with multiprogramming. One of the main challenges is the potential for conflicts between programs that are running simultaneously. If multiple programs are accessing the same resources, such as memory or input/output devices, conflicts can occur, leading to errors or program crashes. Therefore, it is important to implement effective scheduling algorithms to ensure that resources are allocated fairly and efficiently.
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