Modern computers run multiple programs simultaneously through time-slicing:
- CPU rapidly switches between tasks (milliseconds)
- Each process gets a time slice
- Appears simultaneous to users
- OS scheduler decides priority and order
Multi-core processors can run tasks in true parallel - each core handles different processes!
This deep dive covers Deep Dive: Multitasking within Operating Systems for GCSE Computer Science. Revise Operating Systems in 3.4 Computer Systems for GCSE Computer Science with 15 exam-style questions and 10 flashcards. This is a high-frequency topic, so it is worth revising until the explanation feels precise and repeatable. It is section 5 of 9 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
Practice questions for Operating Systems
Which of the following best describes the role of an operating system?
Explain how an operating system manages memory.