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Time-Sharing Operating System

The Time-Sharing OS provides computer resources to numerous programs simultaneously in a time-dependent manner. As a result, it aids in providing direct access to the main computer to a large number of users. It’s a natural progression from multiprogramming. The CPU is swapped between numerous programs provided by the different users in time-sharing on a scheduled basis.

Because a time-sharing OS allows multiple users to be served at the same time, it necessitates sophisticated CPU scheduling algorithms and input/output management. Building time-sharing Operating Systems are complex and expensive.

In this article, we will look more into the Time-Sharing Operating System according to the GATE Syllabus for (Computer Science Engineering) CSE. Let us read ahead to find out more about it.

Table of Contents

What is the Time-Sharing Operating System?

Time-sharing is a method of allowing multiple individuals at different terminals to access the same computer system simultaneously. Multiprogramming is logically followed by time-sharing. Many processes are assigned to computer resources in time slots in this time-sharing operating system. The processor’s time is split among numerous users in this scenario. It’s dubbed a time-sharing OS for this reason. The individual processes have a set time slice. Its primary goal is to improve interactive reaction time.

Time Sharing Operating System

The CPU changes between numerous jobs to complete them, but the shifts are frequent. As a result, the user can expect a quick answer. To give each user a little amount of time, the operating system utilises CPU scheduling and multiprogramming. Computer systems that were originally built for batch processing have been converted to time-sharing systems.

The time-sharing operating system uses a CPU scheduling and multi-programming mechanism to provide a modest amount of operational time to each user. Batch processing systems are related to the time-sharing system method. The primary distinction between Multiprogrammed Batch Systems and Time-Sharing Systems is that with multiprogrammed batch systems, the goal is to maximise processor utilisation. In Time-Sharing Systems, on the other hand, the goal is to reduce reaction time.

This type of operating system provides direct access to numerous users while dividing CPU time among them according to a scheduling system, which assigns a set of times to each user. When this time slot reaches the end of its session, it transfers control to another user. The time slot is shrinking, and all users are given the notion that they are the sole owners of their own CPUs. The “Time Slice or Quantum” is a short period of time during which all users compete for the CPU’s attention.

What is Time-Sharing in OS?

In data processing, time-sharing is a technique of operation in which numerous users with different programmes interact with the CPU (central processing unit) of a large-scale digital computer nearly concurrently.

The CPU has enough time to address multiple distinct problems during the input/output process since it runs far quicker than most peripheral equipment, for example, video display terminals and printers. Even though the CPU tackles each user’s problem, in turn, remote terminals perceive access to as well as retrieval from the time-sharing system as instantaneous since the solutions are available to them as soon as the problem is fully typed.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, time-sharing was created to make better use of expensive processor time. The parallel operation, multiprocessing, and multiprogramming are all common time-sharing strategies. Furthermore, time-sharing systems are at the heart of many computer networks created for the purpose of transferring data and resources.

Examples of Time-Sharing OS

For instance, in a transaction processing system, all sorts of processors have the ability to run each user programme in tiny bursts or quantum of computation, such that if n users exist, each user can seize a temporal quantum. Other examples include:

  • Multics
  • UNIX
  • Linux
  • TOPS-20 (DEC)
  • Windows NT server
  • Windows 2000 server
  • TOPS-10 (DEC)

Features of Time-Sharing OS

Users can benefit from the following advantages provided by the time-sharing OS:

  • For all operations, each user sets aside time.
  • At the same time, multiple online users can utilise the same computer.
  • End users believe they have complete control over the computer system.
  • Interaction among users and computers is improved.
  • User inquiries can result in quick responses.
  • It is no longer necessary to wait for the previous task to complete before using the processor.
  • It can do a large number of tasks quickly.

Pros of Time-Sharing OS

The following are some of the benefits of the time-sharing operating system:

  • It has a quick response time.
  • CPU idle time is reduced.
  • Each task is assigned a certain time limit.
  • Reduced likelihood of program duplication improves reaction time.
  • User-friendly and simple to use.

Cons of Time-Sharing OS

The following are some of the downsides of the time-sharing operating system:

  • It uses a lot of resources.
  • Hardware with high quality is required.
  • It has difficulty with consistency.
  • A security and integrity problem with user programs and data.
  • Data communication problem probability.

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