Difference between multiprogramming operating system and multiprocessing operating system

Answer 1

From my point of view, multiprogramming OS allows to run multiple programs simultaneously. On the other hand, multiprocessing OS handles more than one process at a time. Here program is the application that is submitted to the OS, and the OS further breaks down it small manageable units called processes. Modern operating systems support both features.

Answer 2

A multiprocessing system and an operating system are related concepts but have distinct roles in computer science. Here’s a clear differentiation between the two:

### 1. **Definition**:
- **Operating System (OS):**
- An operating system is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It serves as an interface between users and the hardware.
- **Multiprocessing System:**
- A multiprocessing system refers to a computer system’s capability to support more than one processor (CPU). It allows the simultaneous execution of multiple processes by utilizing multiple CPUs.

### 2. **Scope**:
- **Operating System (OS):**
- It encompasses all aspects of managing resources, including memory, processes, devices, file systems, and security.
- **Multiprocessing System:**
- It is a specific feature or capability that an operating system may support. It deals with the coordinated execution of tasks across multiple processors.

### 3. **Functionality**:
- **Operating System (OS):**
- It handles task scheduling, memory management, input/output operations, and provides an environment for application execution.
- **Multiprocessing System:**
- Focuses on enhancing performance by allowing multiple CPUs to process different tasks concurrently, improving the overall throughput and speed of the system.

### 4. **Types**:
- **Operating System (OS):**
- There are various types of operating systems like single-user, multi-user, real-time, batch, distributed, and time-sharing systems.
- **Multiprocessing System:**
- Multiprocessing can be categorized into symmetric multiprocessing (SMP), where all processors share the same memory, and asymmetric multiprocessing (AMP), where each processor has its specific task.

### 5. **Examples**:
- **Operating System (OS):**
- Examples include Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android.
- **Multiprocessing System:**
- Systems using multiple CPUs running Linux