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Multitasking is when a computer runs more than one program at the same time. It was initially only available on high-end mainframes but became an industry standard for personal computers. Smartphones can also multitask. Multitasking was originally called time-sharing, and modern single-processor computers use rapid switching between applications. Multi-processor computers can truly multitask, but system memory still limits it. Multitasking affects how people live and work, but human limitations restrict its full potential.
Computer multitasking is the process in which more than one program is run by a computer at the same time. In the early history of computing, multitasking was almost unheard of and for decades was relegated to high-end mainframes and unavailable in personal computers. As technology advanced, multitasking became available and quickly evolved into the industry standard for personal computers. As of 2011, devices such as smartphones are also often capable of multitasking, allowing users to browse the Internet and stream music at the same time, for example.
When computer multitasking was in its early stages of development, it was called time-sharing, a term that referred to how multiple programs or processes shared CPU power. Quite soon, this term was superseded by the contemporary term multitasking, although in its earliest versions multitasking was not true multitasking but a rapid switching between applications that appeared to be simultaneous. Modern single-processor computers are able to multitask using this technique.
Multi-processor computers have two or more separate processors connected to each other. These systems, which have become more common and more advanced during the early 21st century, are capable of true multitasking, although in practice there is no observable difference, other than improved performance, in how these systems perform better than single processor systems. However, multiple processors allow many different programs to run simultaneously.
System memory still limits computer multitasking. Computer performance is dictated by processor speed, but the number of programs a given processor can run simultaneously is also limited by the amount of system memory these programs occupy. A technique called memory switching allows access to system memory by any program running on single-processor systems or delegation, if necessary, on multi-processor systems.
True computer multitasking is said to be influencing the way people live, work and use their computers, and to some extent this is certainly true. Multitasking allows you to stream music from an Internet radio service while researching and writing an article at the same time. However, limitations on human multitasking capabilities will ultimately limit the ways individuals can use the power of modern computers to multitask. Humans have a limited ability to focus on multiple tasks or activities, making it difficult to interact with more than one software program at a time.
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