Multitasking Operating System? Examples, Types, Advantages

Multitasking in Operating System (OS)

Definition – Multitasking operating system provides the interface for executing the multiple program tasks by single user at a same time on the one computer system. For example, any editing task can be performed while other programs are executing concurrently. Other example, user can open Gmail and Power Point same time.

Types of Multitasking Operating System

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.

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.