Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
If the computer will be doing only one task at a time—that is,
if the computer supports single tasking, but not multitask
ing—then the operating system need not worry about how to
allocate memory among users or how to decide how CPU
time should be shared.
If a computer allows only one window to be open at a time,
then the operating system does not have to keep track of
which window is active at any moment; any typing must be
directed to the single window present.
Historically, early computers took these simple approaches and
could function with only one user, one task, and one window at a
time. This allowed early operating systems to be small, simple, and
relatively easy to understand. Also, programmers could (mostly)
understand an entire operating system and check it for errors. As
capabilities have been added, operating systems have expanded
with new algorithms and programs—just as our dinnerpreparation
crew expanded as the number of guests increased. Larger and more
complex operating systems created new demands for coordination
and cooperation—and new opportunities for mistakes, oversights,
and other problems. Also, the coordination of multiple users, mul
titasking, and multiple windows places considerable demands on
the CPU, and these chips now require more power just to do the
same tasks done earlier in a simpler context. The new capabilities
make the computers easier to use, but they also have added com
plexity to the problems.
Altogether, computers may be more helpful in solving problems
if they can process more data and provide expanded capabilities.
However, the greater computational complexity and logical com
plexity come with costs:
Processing may require additional coordination and adminis
trative oversight.
New or expanded capabilities may place additional demands
on computer hardware, requiring faster CPUs and larger
memories.
Greater complexity provides new opportunities for errors.
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