A multitasking operating system is any type of system capable of running more than one program at the same time. Most modern operating systems are configured to handle multiple programs simultaneously, with the exception of a few privately developed systems that are designed for use in specific business environments.
Multitasking operating systems can run more than one program at the same time.
With older examples of the multitasking operating system, managing two or more tasks usually involved switching system resources between the two running processes. The system would run tasks for one, freeze that program for a few seconds, and then run tasks for the other program. While this approach created a short delay for the operator, this delay was typically no more than a few seconds and still offered significantly greater efficiency than the old single-task operating system.
Most modern operating systems are configured to handle multiple programs simultaneously.
Over time, popular incarnations of the multitasking operating system were developed that used a different approach to allocating resources to each active program. This created a situation where virtually no time lapse occurred, assuming the team driving the system had adequate resources. For the end user, this meant the ability to run multiple tasks simultaneously without waiting for the system to release or redirect resources as each task completed.
The typical multiple operating system requires more resources than the simple operating systems that were common for desktop computers in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Newer systems require platforms with a considerable amount of random access memory (RAM), as well as other types of virtual devices. memory. If resources are not available to power the various applications that are open and running, the system may slow down or even close one or two applications if that is the way the system is configured to avoid overloading.
Today, most desktop, laptop, and netbook operating systems run on some kind of multitasking operating system. Even equipment such as ATMs or ATMs continue to use some kind of multitasking system, using a series of programs to check balances and attend to requests made by users. There are also examples of movie ticket voucher systems that can perform multiple tasks at the same time, including posting receipts for purchased tickets, even as the system generates and delivers purchased tickets.
