What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Multiprogramming Operating Systems?

Minimizing the CPU's ideal time is the goal of every operating system!

In traditional systems, a higher CPU’s ideal time led to more resource and time utilization. Many times processes even expired before all the processes could be executed because of long waiting queues. 

This is where multiprogramming operating systems come into play. In a multiprogramming OS, multiple processes are executed simultaneously on a single processor. So, if one process is waiting for the input/output device, another process will be ready to use the operating system.

In this way the ideal time of the operating system becomes minimal and it helps in using all the resources to the fullest. But this is not it. 

There are multiple reasons for using multiprogramming operating systems rather than other types of OS. But this is also a fact that there are multiple reasons for not using these systems as well.

Here, we are going to discuss everything about multiprogramming OS in detail.

So, begin reading!

What Is A Multiprogramming Operating System?

A multiprogramming OS is one where all the processes share the same CPU. It runs multiple programs on a computer with a single processor. The main aim of using a multiprogramming operating system is to ensure that all the resources of a system are managed in the right and efficient way.

A multiprogramming OS uses key components like command processors, file systems, I/O control systems and transient areas. Therefore, the multiprogramming system is developed in a way to store multiple types of programs based on the segments of the transient area. Here, the routines to manage resources are linked with the core functions of operating systems.

Kinds Of Multiprogramming Operating System

Multiprogramming OS are of majorly two types:

• Multiuser operating system

• Multitasking operating system.

Here’s a detailed explanation of both types of multiprogramming OS.

Multiuser Operating System

In this type of multiprogramming operating system, multiple users share the processing time on the central system from various terminals. In this type of OS, the processes are executed by switching between all the terminals. Each of these terminals will get limited processor time. 

This process is done at so much speed that the user may feel that they have continuous access to the central system. However, if a huge number of terminals are linked, there are chances that the central computer may take more time than usual which makes it more obvious.

Multitasking Operating System

Microsoft Windows and IBM OS/390 are some types of multitasking operating systems. In this type of multiprogramming operating system, multiple programs run simultaneously on a single system. In this OS, the tasks are moved out and in of the CPU one at a time. When you move out a particular task from the memory, it will be temporarily stored in the disk until you need it again.

Now that you are aware of what multiuser and multitasking operating systems are, let’s understand what you should use.

Advantages of Multiprogramming Operating System

Do you really need a multiprogramming operating system for your computer? 

If you are not sure of it, here, we have come up with a list of all the advantages of multiprogramming OS.

• Decreases the response time: a multiprogramming operating system allows you to run multiple processes at the same time. Therefore, you can get a better and faster response from multiple windows.

• Short-time jobs can be done quickly: Multiprogramming Operating systems use CPU scheduling which ensures that jobs are executed before they expire. In this way, all the short-time jobs get the CPU for the desired work and are executed quickly.

• Decreases CPU Idle Time: now that the CPU is handling multiple jobs at the same time, every time, a job is assigned to the CPU. in this way, the CPU never sits ideal and always has a job.

Disadvantages Of Multiprogramming Operating System

Despite multiple reasons to use multiprogramming OS, there are multiple reasons why it may not be the best for everyone. 

Here, we have come up with all the disadvantages of a multiprogramming operating system.

• The process is quite sophisticated and complicated.

• You need to find the correct CPU scheduling method.

• It is not so easy to handle all the tasks and processes.

• Moreover, if there are a huge number of processes present in the queue, situations like thrashing in the OS can occur. This situation occurs when excessive paging operations are being carried out on a system.

The thrashing in the OS may cause certain disruptions for the users. 

• Memory management should be done in the right way because all the processes will be stored in the main memory only.

How Does A Multiprogramming OS Work?

Different users can perform their jobs simultaneously in a multiprogramming OS and all these processes are then stored in your system’s main memory. When a single process is working on I/O operations, the CPU will then have the time to handle other processes present in the idle state.

It is not important that all the processes present in the queue run simultaneously but multiple processes can run simultaneously. There are times when some parts of a process are executed first and then after some time, other parts of the process are executed. 

In this way, the CPU is kept busy until there is always a job in the pool. In this way, multiple processes are running at the same time and your CPU is never idle.

Examples Of Multiprogramming OS

We use multiprogramming operating systems in our lives daily without realizing it. Here are some examples of multiprogramming OS:

• Your desktop operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS, and more are all examples of multiprogramming operating systems. These modern OS incorporate different multiprogramming concepts in their functions. 

• Even on your mobile phones, you can perform multiple tasks at the same time. For instance, you can text and listen to music at the same time.

• Different application software like web browsers, offices, and media players are some examples of multiprogramming OS.

Winding Up

A multiprogramming operating system is important to utilize your resources optimally and reduce CPU idle time as well. Moreover, to avoid deadlock problems, CPU scheduling techniques can be used. 

Therefore, a multiprogramming operating system is essential to maintain the flow of all the processes in the queue. Each process is given a certain amount of memory space and CPU time to complete. Moreover, if one resource is in use by one application and another process needs the same resource, the CPU then moves the process to memory and works on another process.

In the same way, all the processes are carried out in an efficient manner with a multiprogramming OS.