PROCESSING

PROCESSING

1. Processing Time is allocated by the system software to process the instructions of a computer as efficiently as possible. It does this by allocating time slices and prioritises the tasks.

   • Multi-Tasking: when computer may have several different tasks to run at the same time. The System Software manages how the processor switches between the different programs.

2. Modes of Processing

   • Real-Time
     • *Data is processed immediately after it is inputted. * Data files are updated before the next transaction takes place. * Output generated is processed quickly enough to influence the next input received.
     • **Car Engine Management System **Booking Systems (airlines, concert tickets etc.) ** Systems such as air traffic control
     • Disadvantage: there will be a limit to the number of users or task who can access the system so some users must wait - think ticketmaster
   • Multi-User
     • ** Online Chat rooms
     • *Multi-user processing is when several users appear to have individual control of the system at the same time. *It is implemented by using time slices, an allocated length of time for each program or user.
     • Advantage: the processor can be used to execute multiple programs with the appearance of simultaneous usage.
   • Batch
     • *Batch processing is when all the data to be input is collected together before being processed as a single operation. * The processing is usually scheduled to happen during processor downtime, for example overnight, while a limited number or no users are accessing the system.
     • ** Electricity Bills ** Bank or Credit Card Statements
     • Advantage: an efficient processing method for repeated tasks because they can be carried out quickly without user interaction. Disadvantage: it is dependent on the data being accurate when input, as errors can cause the processing to crash.

3. A Process is an activity that is carried out as part of a computer system. The CPU is known as the Central Processing Unit - the 'brain' of the computer.

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