(1) Refers to a computer system's ability to support more than one process (program) at the same time. Multiprocessing operating systems enable several programs to run concurrently. UNIX is one of the most widely used multiprocessing systems, but there are many others, including OS/2 for high-end PCs. Multiprocessing systems are much more complicated than single-process systems because the operating system must allocate resources to competing processes in a reasonable manner.
(2) Refers to the utilization of multiple CPUs in a single computer system. This is also called parallel processing.
Introduction to multiprocessing Introduction to multiprocessing from the first chapter of a book entitled, "Multiprocessor System Architectures".
Making multiprocessing work An extensive paper, including diagrams, describes the relative benefits of multiprocessing.
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