Multithreading is a specialized form of multitasking. In general, there are two types of multitasking: process-based and thread-based. A process is, in essence, a program that is executing. Thus, process-based multitasking is the feature that allows your computer to run two or more programs concurrently.

A thread is a dispatchable unit of executable code. The name comes from the concept of a “thread of execution.” In a thread-based multitasking environment, all processes have at least one thread, but they can have more. This means that a single program can perform two or more tasks concurrently. For instance, a text editor can be formatting text at the same time that it is printing, as long as these two actions are being performed by two separate threads. The differences between process-based and thread-based multitasking can be summarized like this: Process-based multitasking handles the concurrent execution of programs. Thread-based multitasking deals with the concurrent execution of pieces of the same program....

Multitasking is the ability to execute more than one computer task (such as the operation of an application program) at a time. The operating system is able to keep track of where you are in these tasks and go from one to the other without losing information.

The terms multitasking and multiprocessing are often used interchangeably, although multiprocessing sometimes implies that more than one CPU is involved. ...

Multiprocessing is the coordinated processing of programs by more than one computer processor. Multiprocessing is a general term that can mean the dynamic assignment of a program to one of two or more computers working in tandem or can involve multiple computers working on the same program at the same time (in parallel).

Multiprocessing can be said to be either asymmetric or symmetric. The term refers to how the operating system divides tasks between the processors in the system. Asymmetric multiprocessing designates some processors to perform system tasks only, and others to run applications only. This is a rigid design that results in lost performance during those times when the computer needs to run many system tasks and no user tasks, or vice versa. Symmetric multiprocessing, often abbreviated SMP, allows either system or user tasks to run on any processor, which is more flexible and therefore leads to better performance. SMP is what most multiprocessing PC motherboards use. ...

A multi-user Operating System allows for multiple users to use the same computer at the same time and/or different times. See our multi-user dictionary definition for a complete definition for a complete definition. Some examples of multi-user Operating Systems are Linux, Unix, Windows....

A GUI is an acronym for “Graphical User Interface”. A GUI Operating System contains graphics and icons and is commonly navigated by using a computer mouse.

The first interactive user interfaces to computers were not graphical; they were text-and-keyboard oriented and usually consisted of commands you had to remember and computer responses that were infamously brief. The command interface of the DOS operating system is an example of the typical user-computer interface before GUIs arrived. ...

Microsoft Windows is the name of several families of software operating systems by Microsoft. Windows uses a graphical user interface (GUI) to make it easier for people to manage files and run software programs on desktop and laptop computers. The primary ways that people navigate are through icons on the desktop and the Start menu.

The Windows operating system is developed and maintained by Microsoft, the company founded by Bill Gates. The first version was released in 1985. Since then, it has grown significantly, and it now dominates the market....