Overview of Operating Sy

These types of systems are used when very high speed is required to process a large volume of dat
These systems are generally used in environment like satellite control, weather forecasting etc. The
basic organization of multiprocessing system is shown in Fig. 1.10. Types of Multiprocessor Systems

1. Asymmetric Multiprocessing: In this system, a specific task is assigned to each processor. The

system has one master processor and others are slave processors. A master processor controls the
system and slave processors follow the instructions of master or perform their predefined task.

2. Symmetric Multiprocessing. In symmetric multiprocessing, there is no master-slave concept

used. All the processors are peer processors. They perform all tasks within the operating

system. CPU 2

(PU)

CPU

OPU

(a) Asymmetric Multiprocessing

Bus
Fig. 1.11

Bus

(b) Bymmetric Multiprocessing

Locks

The benefit of SMP model is that many processes can run simultaneously. However, we must
carefully control [1/0 to ensure that the data reach the appropriate processor. Also, since the CPUs
are separate, one may be sitting idle while another is overloaded, resulting in inefficiencies. Virtually
all modern OSs-including Windows, Windows XP. Mac OS X, and Linux-now provide support for SMP.

The difference between symmetric and asymmetric multiprocessing may result from either

hardware or software. Special hardware can differentiate the multiple processors, or the software

can be written to allow only one master and multiple slaves.

A recent trend in CPU design is to include multiple compute cores on a single chip. In essence, these

are multiprocessor chips. Aside from architectural considerations such as cache, memory, and bus

contention, these multi-core CPUs look to the OS just as N standard processors.

Advantages of Multiprocessor Systems:

It increased throughput by increasing the number of processors, more work done in a shorter 2.
Multiprocessors can also save money (cost) compared to multiple single systems. Because the
1

period of time.

processors can share peripherals cabinets and power supplies.

3. It increases reliability, if functions can be distributed properly among several processors, then the
failure of one processor will not halt the system, but rather will only slow it down.

4. These systems provides higher performance due to parallel processing.

Disadvantages of Multiprocessor Systems: 1. If one processor fails then it will affect in the speed.

2.

Multiprocessor systems are expensive.

9. Complex OS is required.

4. Large main memory required.

1.2.7 Distributed Systems

W-16, 17, 5-19

A distributed system consists of a collection of autonomous computers, connected through network

and distribution middleware, which enables computers to coordinate their activities and to share the
resources of the system, so that users perceive the system as a single, integrated computing facility.
In multiprocessor system the processors do not share memory or a clock instead each processor has

its own local memory. In such systems, if one machine or site falls the remaining sites can continu

operation. So these types of systems are the rellable systems.