Difference between revisions of "Multi-tasking"
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| − | '''Multitasking''' [[operating system]]s are a subset of operating systems - now, by far the predominant form - which allow multiple | + | '''Multitasking''' [[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. |
| − | There are two principal types: '''preemptive multitasking''', in which computations can be (unkownst to them) | + | There are two principal types: '''preemptive multitasking''', in which computations can be (unkownst to them) [[interrupt]]ed in the middle of their work to allow other computations to run, and '''cooperative multitasking''', 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; e.g. it may call for some input | + | 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 14:59, 27 April 2018
Multitasking operating systems are a subset of operating systems - now, by far the predominant form - which allow multiple programs to run at the same time.
There are two principal types: preemptive multitasking, in which computations can be (unkownst to them) interrupted in the middle of their work to allow other computations to run, and cooperative multitasking, 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.
