Multi Processing Operating System
Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
The operating system functions like a manager of all the available
resources. Therefore operating system is defined as an interface
between the system and the user. There are various types of
operating systems such as Batch Operating Systems, Multi-
programming Operating Systems, distributed operating systems
time-sharing operating systems, real-time operating systems, and
distributed operating systems. Each operating system offers
different types of features and advantages. The below article covers
in detail the Multiprocessing operating system.
What is meant by a Multi-Processing
Operating System?
A multiprocessing operating system is defined as a type of operating
system that makes use of more than one CPU to improve
performance. Multiple processors work parallelly in multi-processing
operating systems to perform the given task. All the available
processors are connected to peripheral devices, computer buses,
physical memory, and clocks. The main aim of the multi-processing
operating system is to increase the speed of execution of the
system. The use of a multiprocessing operating system improves
the overall performance of the system. For example, UNIX, LINUX,
and Solaris are the most widely used multi-processing operating
system.
Working of Multi-Processing Operating
System
Multi-processing operating system consists of multiple CPUs.
Each CPU is connected to the main memory.
The task to be performed id divided among all the
processors.
For faster execution and improved performance, each
processor is assigned a specific task.
Once all the tasks of each processor are completed they are
compiled together in order to produce a single output.
The allocation of resources for each processor is handled by
the operating system. This process results in better
utilization of the available resources and improved
performance.
The below diagram describes the working of multi-processing
operating systems.
Working of Multiprocessing Operating System
Types of Multi-Processing Operating Systems
Multi-processing operating systems are classified into two types.
They are:
1. Symmetrical Multiprocessing Operating System
In a Symmetrical multiprocessing operating system, each processor
executes the same copy of operating system every time. Each
process makes its own decisions and works according to all other
process to make sure that system works efficiently. With the help of
CPU scheduling algorithms, the task is assigned to the CPU that has
least burden. Symmetrical multiprocessing operating system is also
known as "Shared Everything System" because all the processors
share memory and input-output bus. Below image describes about
symmetrical multiprocessing operating system.
Symmetrical
Multiprocessing Operating System
Advantages
Failure of one processor does not affect the functioning of
other processors.
It divides all the workload equally to the available
processors.
Makes use of available resources efficiently.
Disadvantages
Symmetrical multiprocessing OS are more complex.
They are more costlier.
Synchronization between multiple processors is difficult.
2. Asymmetrical Multiprocessing Operating System
In Asymmetrical multiprocessing operating system one processor
acts as a master whereas remaining all processors act a slaves.
Slave processors are assigned with ready to execute processes by
the master processor. A ready queue is being maintained by master
processor to provides with processes for slaves. In multiprocessing
operating system a schedular is created by master process that
assigns processes to be executed to slave processors. Below
diagram describes about the asymmetrical multiprocessing
operating system.
Asymmetrical Multiprocessing Operating System
Advantages
Asymmetrical multiprocessing operating system are cost-
effective.
They are easy to design and manage.
They are more scalable.
Disadvantages
There can be uneven distribution of workload among the
processors.
The processors do not share same memory.
Entire system goes down if one process fails.
Conclusion
Multiprocessing operating systems are designed in such a way that
multiple processors can work simultaneously. They provides with
advantages such better performance, efficient utilization of
resources and high availability. The two different types of
multiprocessing operating systems they are symmetrical and
asymmetrical differ according to their process, use, cost and other
features. According to the requirement they types of Operating are
used.
