Multi-Processing in Operating System

Multi-Processing Operating System

• Multiprocessor Operating System refers to the use of two or more central processing units (CPU) within a single computer system.
• These multiple CPUs are in close communication sharing the computer bus, memory, and other peripheral devices.
• These systems are referred to as tightly coupled systems.

Types

There are two types of multiprocessing

• Shared nothing MP. The processors share nothing (each has its own memory, caches, and disks), but they are interconnected.
• Shared disks MP.
• Shared Memory Cluster.
• Shared memory MP.

Examples

Operating systems like Windows NT, 2000, XP, and Unix. Although Unix is one of the most widely used multiprocessing systems, there are others.

Functions

An operating system has three main functions:

• Manage the computer’s resources, such as the central processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers.
• Establish a user interface.
• Execute and provide services for applications software.

Advantages

The advantages of the multiprocessing system are:

• Increased Throughput − By increasing the number of processors, more work can be completed in a unit of time.
• Cost-Saving − Parallel system shares the memory, buses, peripherals, etc.
• Multiprocessor system thus saves money as compared to multiple single systems.