The operating system functions like a manager of all the available resources. Therefore operating system is defined as an interface between the system and the user. There are various types of operating systems such as Batch Operating Systems, Multi-programming Operating Systems, distributed operating systems time-sharing operating systems, real-time operating systems, and distributed operating systems. Each operating system offers different types of features and advantages. The below article covers in detail the Multiprocessing operating system.
What is meant by a Multi-Processing Operating System?
A multiprocessing operating system is defined as a type of operating system that makes use of more than one CPU to improve performance. Multiple processors work parallelly in multi-processing operating systems to perform the given task. All the available processors are connected to peripheral devices, computer buses, physical memory, and clocks. The main aim of the multi-processing operating system is to increase the to increase the speed of execution of the system. The use of a multiprocessing operating system improves the overall performance of the system. For example, UNIX, LINUX, and Solaris are the most widely used multi-processing operating system.
Working of Multi-Processing Operating System
- Multi-processing operating system consists of multiple CPUs. Each CPU is connected to the main memory.
- The task to be performed id divided among all the processors.
- For faster execution and improved performance, each processor is assigned a specific task.
- Once all the tasks of each processor are completed they are compiled together in order to produce a single output.
- The allocation of resources for each processor is handled by the operating system. This process results in better utilization of the available resources and improved performance.
The below diagram describes the working of multi-processing operating systems.
Working of Multiprocessing Operating System
Types of Multi-Processing Operating Systems
Multi-processing operating systems are classified into two types. They are:
1. Symmetrical Multiprocessing Operating System
In a Symmetrical multiprocessing operating system, each processor executes the same copy of operating system every time. Each process makes its own decisions and works according to all other process to make sure that system works efficiently. With the help of CPU scheduling algorithms, the task is assigned to the CPU that has least burden. Symmetrical multiprocessing operating system is also known as “Shared Everything System” because all the processors share memory and input-output bus. Below image describes about symmetrical multiprocessing operating system.
Symmetrical Multiprocessing Operating System
Advantages
- Failure of one processor does not affect the functioning of other processors.
- It divides all the workload equally to the available processors.
- Makes use of available resources efficiently.
Disadvantages
- Symmetrical multiprocessing OS are more complex.
- They are more costlier.
- Synchronization between multiple processors is difficult.
2. Asymmetrical Multiprocessing Operating System
In Asymmetrical multiprocessing operating system one processor acts as a master whereas remaining all processors act a slaves. Slave processors are assigned with ready to execute processes by the master processor. A ready queue is being maintained by master processor to provides with processes for slaves. In multiprocessing operating system a schedular is created by master process that assigns processes to be executed to slave processors. Below diagram describes about the asymmetrical multiprocessing operating system.
Asymmetrical Multiprocessing Operating System
Advantages
- Asymmetrical multiprocessing operating system are cost-effective.
- They are easy to design and manage.
- They are more scalable.
Disadvantages
- There can be uneven distribution of workload among the processors.
- The processors do not share same memory.
- Entire system goes down if one process fails.
Conclusion
Multiprocessing operating systems are designed in such a way that multiple processors can work simultaneously. They provides with advantages such better performance, efficient utilization of resources and high availability. The two different types of multiprocessing operating systems they are symmetrical and asymmetrical differ according to their process, use, cost and other features. According to the requirement they types of Operating are used.
FAQs on Multi Processing Operating System
Q.1: Does a multiprocessing operating system consume less or more electricity?
Answer:
Multiprocessing operating system consumes less electricity because each processor executes different processes of a single task which divides the load among each processor.
Q.2: Name the multi-processing operating systems?
Answer:
UNIX , LINUX, Solaris, Windows Server are most widely used multi processing operating system.
Q.3: What are the challenges faced by multiprocessing operating systems?
Answer:
The challenges faced by multiprocessing operating system are complexity, software compatibility issues, specialized hardware and software cost and synchronisation issues.
Q.4: What is the basic difference between a multiprocessing operating system and a distributed operating system?
Answer:
The basic difference between multiprocessing operating system and distributed operating system is multiprocessing operating system shares a common memory between all the available processors or CPUs whereas in distributed operating systems each CPU is assigned with its own private memory.