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Essay on Multiprocessing

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Multiprocessing

Multiprocessing refers to a computer system’s ability to support more than one process or program at the same time. Multiprocessing operating systems enable several programs to run concurrently. UNIX is one of the most widely used multiprocessing systems, but there are many others, including OS/2 for high-end personal computers and Windows NT for work groups. Multiprocessing systems are much more complicated than single-process systems because the operating system must allocate resources to competing processes in the most efficient manner. (IBM Dictionary of Computing, Tenth Edition, McGraw-Hill, (1994)).

Types of Multiprocessing

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Nodes are connected by high-speed data paths that pass messages between cooperating nodes. ( Parallel Computing Theory and Practice, Quinn Michael J., Oregon State University, McGraw-Hill)

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Advantages of parallel multiprocessing systems are that they are easily repaired by replacement of malfunctioning nodes and not the entire system. They manipulate data concurrently meaning processes are broken down to be processed at the same time. They are scaleable meaning they are able to execute larger computations without the purchase of bigger hardware. They are fast because each task is assigned a node for processing. Disadvantages are that because these nodes must communicate with each other to perform parallel work large operations becomes inefficient. Increased communication also increases the time it takes to access data needed to complete a process. This is known as latency. Greater latencies result in slower system speed.

Operating Systems that Support Multiprocessing

The purpose of multiprocessing operating systems is to add additional computing power to the system by dividing the required processing jobs among several processors. Each processor is considered to be a device. Each device operates at a given speed. The speed is measured is called throughput. It is the number of results it produces per

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