Multitasking refers to a multiprogramming capability on single-user operating systems. Thus, it refers to the ability of an operating system to enable two or more programs or program tasks from a single user to execute concurrently on one computer.
This feature allows a user to do things such as edit one program while another program is executing or have two programs displayed on screen at the same time and modify them concurrently.
Remember, one computer, like one dentist, can attend to only one task at a time. But the computer works so fast that the user often has the illusion that it is doing two things at once.
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One situation in which multitasking is very helpful occurs when a program has an exceptionally long processing time and the computer is needed for other work.
For example, suppose you want to search through a large employee file for all people between the ages of 25 and 35 with six years of service and some experience with computers.
On a relatively small computer, such a search may take several minutes, during which time you may want to use the computer for other work. With multitasking, you can use your computer to perform another task, on the same or a different program, while the search is taking place in the background.
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Without multitasking, you’ll have to find other, offline work to do (like eating lunch) while the computer is tied up.
Because multitasking involves using the computer to interleave the processing of several tasks, it is closely associated with windowing software.