Multi-Programming and Time Sharing

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that multi threading or programming entails an operating system literally slicing time up so that each program can run smoothly to completion without interfering with any other program. The author points out that new operating system technology allows programs such as MS-Word, which has been written and compiled to run in a certain sequence, to be run out of sequence yet the results still comes out correctly to the user as though the program ran in order; this technique, called Out-Of-Order execution is similar to how multi-threading works. The paper relates that background processing allows printing or backing up a system's pertinent data while playing Solitaire in the foreground or for KaZaA users to create a CD while listening to another song playing in the foreground.

From the Paper:

"New programming languages such as Java and C++ all recommend that for programmers to incorporate multiple threading concepts directly into programs so operating system have less responsibility. Java implements a thread scheduler that can help decide if and when each thread should execute. Operating systems of the past could only tell dumb programs how long a particular thread was but not when to run it in a CPU cycle -- today, programs like Java can make this type of decision. "For instance, when a lower-priority thread is running and a higher-priority thread resumes (from sleeping or waiting on I/O, for example), it will preempt the lower-priority thread." "

More papers on Multi-Programming and Time Sharing:

• Research Paper # 66569 : "Time Sharing in Greece"
• Analytical Essay # 130253 : "Space and Time in Qin Dynasty"
• Essay # 85292 : "Kant on Space and Time"

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