BCA / B.Tech 11 min read

Multiprocessing in Operating System

Multiprocessing in Operating System:


Multiprocessing is a computing technique in which multiple processors or CPUs are used simultaneously to process more than one task at the same time. This technique is important for increasing the performance and efficiency of a computer system. Multiprocessing is mainly useful in situations where a large amount of data or multiple tasks need to be processed in parallel.

Concept of Multiprocessing:

A multiprocessing system has more than one processor or core, which executes multiple tasks simultaneously. Each processor works independently, which increases the speed and efficiency of the system.

Types of Multiprocessing:

Symmetrical Multiprocessing (SMP): All processors share the same memory and operating system. All processors are equal and work independently with each other.
Asymmetrical Multiprocessing (AMP): There is one main processor that instructs other subordinate processors. The main processor performs primary tasks, while subordinate processors execute specific tasks.

Advantages of Multiprocessing:

  • High Performance: Multiple processors working together process data faster.
  • Better Resource Utilization: All processors are used to their maximum potential.
  • Efficient Multitasking: The system can easily handle multiple tasks at one time.
  • High Reliability: If one processor fails, the others continue to work.
  • Faster Data Processing: Used for quickly processing large data sets.

Disadvantages of Multiprocessing:

  • High Cost: Setting up and maintaining a multiprocessing system can be expensive.
  • Complex Design: The design of a multiprocessing system is complex. Coordinating communication and tasks between processors can be difficult.
  • Software Compatibility: Not all software is compatible with multiprocessing.
  • Memory Sharing Issues: Competition for shared memory can affect system speed if not coordinated properly.
  • High Power Consumption: Multiple processors consume more energy.

Uses of Multiprocessing:

  • Scientific Calculations.
  • Data Analysis.
  • Graphics Processing.
  • Web Servers and Database Servers.
  • Supercomputers.

In this Chapter

Multiprocessing in Operating System
Distributed System in Operating System
Real-Time System in Operating System
System Calls in Operating System
System Programs in Operating System
Structure of an Operating System
Layered Design of an Operating System Structure
UNIX in Operating System
Virtual Machine in Operating System
Kernel-Based Operating System
Process Concept in Operating System
Interacting Processes in Operating System
Threads in Operating System
Fundamentals of Scheduling in Operating System
Scheduling Criteria in Operating System
Long, Medium, and Short-Term Scheduling
Scheduling Algorithms in Operating System
Structure of a Concurrent System
Critical Region in Operating System
Critical Section in Operating System
Inter-process Communication (IPC) in Operating System
Monitors in Operating System
Semaphores in Operating System
Semaphore Implementation & Uses in Operating System
Logical and Physical Address in Operating System
Swapping in Operating System
Contiguous Allocation in Operating System
Segmentation in Operating System
Paging in Operating System
Virtual Memory using Segmentation in Operating System
Interprocess Communication Protocol in Operating System
Network Operating System
Design Issues in Distributed File System
Network Structure in Operating System
Structure of a Distributed System
File System and Coordination in Operating System
History of Linux in Operating System
Linux Commands
Programmer Interface & File Manipulation in Linux
Process Control in Linux
Kernel & Signals in Linux
File System in Linux
Blocks and Inodes in Linux
System Editors in Linux
Character Transliteration in Linux
The `ed` Line Editor in Linux
The `vi` Editor and Its Commands
Shell Scripting in Linux
Looping & Decision Making in Linux Shell Scripting
Variables & File Name Expansion in Linux
Arrays in Linux Shell Scripting
Subprograms (Functions) in Linux Shell Scripting
C Interface with Linux
Simple Shell Programs in Linux
BCA Part-1 | Operating Systems | Semester-I | MDSU Exam Paper 2023 (Held in 2024)
What is an Operating System (OS)
Operating System (OS) All Important Questions and Answers in English (MDSU)
BCA || Operating System 2025 Paper || MDSU Exam Paper
BCA | OS(Operating System) 2023 Paper | MDSU Exam Paper
Types of Operating Systems
Goals of an Operating System
Operations of an Operating System
Resource Allocation & Functions in an Operating System
Classes of Operating System
Batch Processing in Operating System
Time-Sharing in Operating System