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Multi Processing Operating System

Last Updated : 29 May, 2024

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 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.
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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.

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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.

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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.

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