What is an operating system that allows multiple users to use a computer interactively?

An operating system that allows multiple users to use a computer interactively is a "timesharing operating system." A time-sharing operating system is an operating system that enables a computer to serve several, dozens or even hundreds of users at the same time using time slice rotation.

#The operating environment of this tutorial: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.1 system, Dell G3 computer.

An operating system that allows multiple users to use a computer interactively is a "timesharing operating system."

Connect the computer to many end users. The time-sharing operating system switches the system processor time and memory space to the programs of each end user in turn at certain time intervals. Because the time intervals are short, each user feels as if he has the computer to himself. The characteristic of time-sharing operating system is that it can effectively increase resource utilization. For example, UNIX systems use deprived dynamic priority CPU scheduling to effectively support time-sharing operations.

Typical examples of time-sharing operating systems are Unix and Linux operating systems. It can connect to multiple terminals at the same time and rescan processes at regular intervals, reassign process priorities, and dynamically allocate system resources.

Characteristics of time-sharing operating system:

• Interactivity (simultaneity): Users engage in human-computer dialogue with the system. Users can directly input, debug and run their own programs on the terminal. On the local computer, they can modify errors in the program and obtain results directly.

• Multi-channel (multi-user simultaneity): Multiple users use the same CPU and other resources on their respective terminals at the same time, giving full play to the efficiency of the system.

• Independence: Users can operate independently of each other without interfering with or confusing each other.

• Timeliness: Users can get timely answers from the system in a short period of time.

• Factors that affect the response time: the number of terminals, the size of the time slice, the amount of information exchange, and the speed of information exchange.

Advantages:

1) Provide users with a friendly interface, that is, users can get responses in a short time and can complete programming and programming of programs in a conversational manner. Debug, modify, run and get results.

2) Promotes the popularization and application of computers. A time-sharing system can carry multiple terminals and be used by multiple users near and far at the same time. This provides great convenience for teaching and office automation.

3) Facilitates resource sharing and information exchange, and provides a good environment for software development and engineering design.

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