Time-Sharing Systems

Abstract

The simple spooling system considered in chapter 3 is fairly restricted in its applications. Its mode of working, where single jobs or batches of jobs are submitted to the machine and a job is started only when the previous one has been completed, is very effective in achieving good utilisation of the computer system. However, it is not particularly convenient from the user’s point of view. The ability to interact with a program is both desirable when developing software and essential for certain types of applications, yet this facility is not available with the spooling system. Thus, a more common type of operating system is the multi-access or time-sharing system, where many users are (apparently) able to make simultaneous use of the computer.