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Multi User Operatting System

operating system notes

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359 views8 pages

Multi User Operatting System

operating system notes

Uploaded by

laibashah23112
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Operating system

________________________________
Multi-User Operating System:
A multi-user operating system is an operating system that
permits several users to access a single system running to a
single operating system. These systems are frequently quite
complex, and they must manage the tasks that the various
users connected to them require. Users will usually sit at
terminals or computers connected to the system via a network
and other system machines like printers. A multi-user
operating system varies from a connected single-user
operating system in that each user accesses the same
operating system from different machines.
The main goal of developing a multi-user operating system is
to use it for time-sharing and batch processing on mainframe
systems. This multi-user operating system is now often used in
large organizations, the government sector, educational
institutions like large universities, and on servers' side such as
Ubuntu Server or Windows Server. These servers allow several
users to access the operating system, kernel, and hardware at
the same time.
It is usually responsible for handling memory and processing
for other running programs, identifying and using system
hardware, and efficiently handling user interaction and data
requests. It's especially important for an operating system, a
multi-user operating system because several users rely on the
system to function properly at the same time.

Components of Multi-User Operating


System:
There are various components of a multi-user operating
system. Some of them are as follows:
Memory:
The physical memory present inside the system is where
storage occurs. It is also known as Random Access Memory
(RAM). The system may rectify the data that is present in the
main memory. So, every executed program should be copied
from physical storage like a hard disk. Main memory is
determined as an important part of OS because it specifies
how many programs may be executed simultaneously.
Kernel:
A multi-user operating system makes use of the Kernel
component, which is built in a low-level language. This
component is embedded in the computer system's main
memory and may interact directly with the system's H/W.
Processor:
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) of the computer is
sometimes known as the computer's brain. In large machines,
the CPU would necessitate more ICS. On smaller computers,
the CPU is mapped in a single chip known as a microprocessor.
User Interface:
The user interface is the way of interaction between users and
all software and hardware processes. It enables the users to
interact with the computer system in a simple manner.
Device Handler:
Each input and output device needs its device handler. The
device handler's primary goal is to provide all requests from
the whole device request queue pool. The device handler
operates in continuous cycle mode, first discarding the I/O
request block from the queue side.
Spooler:
Spooler stands for 'Simultaneous Peripheral Output on
Line'. The Spooler runs all computer processes and outputs
the results at the same time. Spooling is used by a variety of
output devices, including printers.
Types of Multi-User Operating System:
There are various types of multi-user operating systems. Some
of them are as follows:
Distributed System:
A distributed system is also known as distributed computing.
It is a collection of multiple components distributed over
multiple computers that interact, coordinate, and seem like a
single coherent system to the end-user. With the aid of the
network, the end-user would be able to interact with or
operate them.
Time-Sliced Systems:
It's a system in which each user's job gets a specific amount of
CPU time. In other words, each work is assigned to a specific
time period. These time slices look too small to the user's eyes.
An internal component known as the 'Scheduler' decides to
run the next job. This scheduler determines and executes the
job that must perform based on the priority cycle.
Multiprocessor System:
Multiple processors are used in this system, which helps to
improve overall performance. If one of the processors in this
system fails, the other processor is responsible for completing
its assigned task.

Characteristics of Multi-User Operating


System:
There are various characteristics of a multi-user operating
system. Some of them are as follows:

Resource Sharing:
Several devices, like printers, fax machines, plotters, and hard
drives, can be shared in a multi-user operating system. Users
can share their own documents using this functionality. All
users are given a small slice of CPU time under this system.

Multi-Tasking:
Multi-user operating systems may execute several tasks
simultaneously, and several programs may also execute at the
same time.

Background Processing:
Background processing is a term that refers to when
commands are not processed but rather executed "in the
background". Usually, other programs interact with the
system in real-time.

Time-Sharing:
A strategy used by multi-user operating systems to operate on
several user requests at the same time by switching between
jobs at very short periods of time.

System:
The operating system must handle a computer's combination
of hardware and software resources.

Invisibility:
Various functions of the multi-user operating system are
hidden from users. It is due to factors such as the OS being
instinctive or happening at the lower end, such as disk
formatting, etc.

Examples of Multi-User Operating


System:
There are various examples of multi-user operating systems.
Some of them are as follows:

Unix:
A highly dependable open system architecture for small and
medium-scale business computing systems. Because it is
based on Open System Architecture, tech giants including AIX,
Solaris, and even Mac OS have their own version of Unix. For
example, the Hospitality industry, Healthcare, etc.

Multiple Virtual Storage:


IBM develops an operating system for use on mainframe
systems. It's commonly utilized in enterprise computing,
where high-intensity I/O is required. For example, Banking,
Insurance, Aviation business, etc.

Shared Computing:
A multi-user OS is a software that operates the servers that
support most webmail apps. A typical webmail application
may require the utilization of hundreds of computers. Each
one runs a multi-user operating system capable of supporting
various users at the same time. Because these systems have
millions, if not billions, of users who constantly log on to check
their messages, they require operating systems that can
handle a high number of users at once.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
Multi-User Operating System:
There are various advantages and disadvantages of a multi-
user operating system. These are as follows:

Advantages:
There are various advantages of a multi-user operating
system. Some of the advantages are as follows:

1. A multi-user operating system can be used in the printing


process to allow multiple users to access the same printer,
which a normal operating system may not do.
2. On a single computer system, several users can access the
same copy of a document. For instance, if a PPT file is kept
on one computer, other users can see it on other systems.
3. Multi-user operating systems are very useful in offices and
libraries because they can efficiently handle printing jobs.
4. If one computer fails in its own network system, the entire
system does not come to a halt.
5. Airlines use multi-user operating systems for some of their
functions.
6. The ticket reservation system uses a multi-user operating
system.
7. Each user can access the same document on their own
computer.

Disadvantages:
There are various disadvantages of a multi-user operating
system. Some of the disadvantages are as follows:
1. Virus attacks occur simultaneously on all of them as the
computers are shared. As a result, if one machine is
affected, the others will be as well.
2. If a virus hits one computer, it spreads to the entire network
system simultaneously, and finally, all computer systems fail.
3. All computer information is shared publicly, and your
personal information is accessible to everyone on the
network.
4. Multiple accounts on a single computer may not be suitable
for all users. Thus, it is better to have multiple PCs for each
user.

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