Multitasking, in an operating system, is allowing a user to perform more than one computer task (such

as the operation of an application program) at a time. The operating system is able to keep track of
where you are in these tasks and go from one to the other without losing information. Microsoft
Windows 2000, IBM's OS/390, and Linux are examples of operating systems that can do multitasking
(almost all of today's operating systems can). When you open your Web browser and then open Word at
the same time, you are causing the operating system to do multitasking.

Being able to do multitasking doesn't mean that an unlimited number of tasks can be juggled at the
same time. Each task consumes system storage and other resources. As more tasks are started, the
system may slow down or begin to run out of shared storage.

Multi-Programming: As we know that in the Batch Processing System there are multiple jobs Execute by
the System. The System first prepare a batch and after that he will Execute all the jobs those are Stored
into the Batch. But the Main Problem is that if a process or job requires an Input and Output Operation,
then it is not possible and second there will be the wastage of the Time when we are preparing the batch
and the CPU will remain idle at that Time.

But With the help of Multi programming we can Execute Multiple Programs on the System at a Time and
in the Multi-programming the CPU will never get idle, because with the help of Multi-Programming we
can Execute Many Programs on the System and When we are Working with the Program then we can
also Submit the Second or Another Program for Running and the CPU will then Execute the Second
Program after the completion of the First Program. And in this we can also specify our Input means a
user can also interact with the System.

The Multi-programming Operating Systems never use any cards because the Process is entered on the
Spot by the user. But the Operating System also uses the Process of Allocation and De-allocation of the
Memory Means he will provide the Memory Space to all the Running and all the Waiting Processes.
There must be the Proper Management of all the Running Job

What is a multitasking operating system

The operating system that runs more than one task at a time is known as a multitasking operating system
(MOS). MOS can be desktop or mobile operating system (OS).
Different tasks run in the OS are MS Word, MS Excel, email application, browser, media player, OS
services etc. End users use all these programs at the same time. But OS takes this concept little different.
Let me explain this concept by a diagram.

Diagram of multitasking in operating system

As shown in the diagram above, three tasks are running on the computer. CPU gives 10 nanoseconds to
each task. Time is shared between task 1, task 2 and task 3. If task 1 is not completed in 10 nanoseconds
then task 1 have to wait until task 2 and task 3 are given time.

Note that one processor (CPU) can only run one process (task) at a time. CPU gives small time to each
process and switch to another process.

Now let me discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of MOS.

Advantages of the multitasking operating system (MOS)

Timesharing:

Time-sharing is the main concept and benefit of MOS. All tasks are given a suitable amount of time and
no waiting time occurs for the CPU.

Handle multiple users:

Multiple users running multiple programs can be best handled by MOS. All programs run smoothly
without a glitch in performance. All users of OS are given a suitable amount of time.

Protected memory:
Memory is better managed in MOS. Unauthorized applications are not given permission to overuse
memory.

Efficient virtual memory:

If any program has long waiting time due to any I/O interrupt, that program is shifted to virtual memory.
After completion of the I/O operation, the program comes back to RAM. The process of virtual memory
management is nicely handled in MOS.

Programs can run in the background:

OS services and another type of background services are also given some time to run in the OS. These
programs are not visible to a normal computer user. But these programs keep running to maintain other
programs run smoothly. Example of background programs is a firewall, anti-virus protection programs
etc.

Increase reliability:

OS runs smoothly in using multitasking. All type of computer users become satisfied. Either user can run
a single program or multiple programs they don’t feel any fault in using a computer.

The user can use multiple programs:

Multiple programs like MS Word, MS Excel, Photoshop, browser, games, and calculator can run at the
same time. This is a big advantage to MOS.

Best use of computer resources:

Computer resources like RAM, Processor, I/O devices, hard drive, and Gaming consoles are better
managed in MOS.

Disadvantages of the multitasking operating system (MOS)

There are some drawbacks of MOS also. Some of them are discussed below:

Limitation of memory:

When a computer user opens many programs at a time, the computer becomes slow. The reason behind
is that many programs are loaded into main memory and CPU cannot give good time for each program
and response time of completing the job becomes higher. Computers with low RAM usually face this
problem. One solution to this is to increase your RAM capacity.

Limitation of the processor:

If the processor is slow in the computer then it can process programs slow and manage multiple
programs takes longer time. Some heavy programs cannot run smoothly on the slow processor because
they need more processing powers.

CPU heat up:

By doing multitasking, the processor becomes busy all the time and CPU heats up. To solve this problem
you have to attach the cooling system to your CPU. This normally happens when you play heavy games
on your PC.

Examples of multitasking operating system

Unix
Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10

Multiprogramming or multitasking operating systems are those which consumes CPU or ram efficiently.
That mean the CPU keep all times busy and all tasks are given time. In these systems users get quick
response time. But if there are many tasks running on the RAM then it stops loading more tasks and in
that case hard drive will be used for storing some processes.

Advantages of multiprogramming systems

CPU is used most of time and never become idle

The system looks fast as all the tasks runs in parallel

Short time jobs are completed faster than long time jobs

Multiprogramming systems support multiply users

Resources are used nicely

Total read time taken to execute program/job decreases

Response time is shorter

In some applications multiple tasks are running and multiprogramming systems better handle these type
of applications

Disadvantages of multiprogramming systems

It is difficult to program a system because of complicated schedule handling

Tracking all tasks/processes is sometimes difficult to handle

Due to high load of tasks, long time jobs have to wait long

Advantages of multiprogramming are −

Increased CPU Utilization − Multiprogramming improves CPU utilization as it organizes a number of jobs
where CPU always has one to execute.
Increased Throughput − Throughput means total number of programs executed over a fixed period of
time. In multiprogramming, CPU does not wait for I/O for the program it is executing, thus resulting in an
increased throughput.

Shorter Turn around Time − Turnaround time for short jobs is improved greatly in multiprogramming.

Improved Memory Utilization − In multiprogramming, more than one program resides in main memory.
Thus memory is optimally utilized.

Increased Resources Utilization − In multiprogramming, multiple programs are actively competing for
resources resulting in higher degree of resource utilization.

Multiple Users − Multiprogramming supports multiple users.