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Difference Between Multitasking and Multiprocessing Operating Systems
In this tutorial, we will learn about the multitasking and multiprocessing operating systems, and differences between them.
By IncludeHelp Last updated : May 05, 2023
What is Multiprocessing Operating System?
An operating system that manages all the necessary operations of a computer system using multiple processors is called a multiprocessing operating system.
Multiprocessors operating system is also known as a multitasking operating system. This system does parallel execution of multiple tasks on different processors. In other words, a computer system that contains two or more processors for executing the tasks is called a Multiprocessor/Multitasking System.
Using its multitasking feature, sometimes it is referred to as a parallel system. It has become the most important in the computer system where the complexity of the task is more and multiple processes need to run at the same time.
Multiprocessing can be of two types symmetric multiprocessing and asymmetric multiprocessing.
What is Multitasking Operating System?
The multitasking operating system takes place with multiprogramming concepts i.e multiple programs can go for execution simultaneously and a particular time slot allots to each process. Time-sharing/multitasking operating system is a logical extension of multiprogramming. It allows many users to work parallel. The CPU executes multiple processes to different users and these processes may switch frequently so that each process can execute smoothly. In this process, a user feels that the system is dedicated for them even though it is being shared among many users.
Difference Between Multitasking and Multiprocessing Operating Systems
| S.No. |
Multitasking |
Multiprocessing |
| 1 |
The execution of more than one process takes place simultaneously. |
The presence of more than one processor in a system that can execute large no of instruction in parallel mode. |
| 2 |
In this system the no of processor’s is one. |
In this system the no of processor’s are more than one. |
| 3 |
It takes more amount of time in process execution. |
It takes less time in process execution. |
| 4 |
In this, job is executed one by one at a time. |
In this, more no of jobs can be executed at a time. |
| 5 |
In this, the throughput is moderate. |
In this, the throughput is maximum. |
| 6 |
The efficiency of multitasking is moderate. |
The efficiency of multiprocessing is maximum. |
| 7 |
In this system the no of user is more than one. |
In this system the no of user can be one or more than one. |
| 8 |
In this system the whole process is depend only on one processor. |
In this system the whole process is divided between the multiple processors. |