Multi-tasking: Difference between revisions
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'''Multi-tasking''' [[operating system]]s are a subset of operating systems - now, by far the predominant form - which allow multiple [[program]]s to run at the same time. | '''Multi-tasking''' [[operating system]]s are a subset of operating systems - now, by far the predominant form - which allow multiple [[program]]s to run at the same time (usually as [[process]]es). | ||
There are two principal types: '''preemptive multi-tasking''', in which computations can be (unknownst to them) [[interrupt]]ed in the middle of their work to allow other computations to run; and '''cooperative multi-tasking''', in which a running computation has to explicitly 'give up' the machine, in order for another computation to run. | There are two principal types: '''preemptive multi-tasking''', in which computations can be (unknownst to them) [[interrupt]]ed in the middle of their work to allow other computations to run; and '''cooperative multi-tasking''', in which a running computation has to explicitly 'give up' the machine, in order for another computation to run. | ||
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Note that this relinquishment may be a side effect of something the computation does, not an explicit giveaway; e.g. it may call for some [[input/output]], and while waiting for that to happen, some other computation may be run. | Note that this relinquishment may be a side effect of something the computation does, not an explicit giveaway; e.g. it may call for some [[input/output]], and while waiting for that to happen, some other computation may be run. | ||
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Revision as of 01:15, 20 October 2018
Multi-tasking operating systems are a subset of operating systems - now, by far the predominant form - which allow multiple programs to run at the same time (usually as processes).
There are two principal types: preemptive multi-tasking, in which computations can be (unknownst to them) interrupted in the middle of their work to allow other computations to run; and cooperative multi-tasking, in which a running computation has to explicitly 'give up' the machine, in order for another computation to run.
Note that this relinquishment may be a side effect of something the computation does, not an explicit giveaway; e.g. it may call for some input/output, and while waiting for that to happen, some other computation may be run.
