MULTIPROCESSORS Meaning and
Definition
-
Multiprocessors, in the context of computer science and computer architecture, refer to systems that have multiple processing units or cores working simultaneously to execute and process instructions and data. These systems are designed to improve overall computing performance and increase system throughput.
A multiprocessor system typically consists of two or more independent processors, which can be either programmable general-purpose microprocessors or specialized processors. Each processor operates independently and can perform its own set of tasks simultaneously with the other processors. These processors are often interconnected through a high-speed communication bus or network, allowing them to share resources such as memory, peripheral devices, and input/output channels.
Multiprocessors provide several advantages over single-processor systems. Firstly, they greatly enhance the system's ability to handle large workloads and intensive computational tasks by distributing these tasks among multiple processors. As a result, they offer improved performance and faster execution times. Additionally, multiprocessors provide better reliability, fault tolerance, and scalability. If one processor fails or encounters an error, the other processors can continue to function, improving system availability. Furthermore, multiprocessors allow for better utilization of system resources and efficient multitasking, as multiple processes or threads can run concurrently on different processors.
Multiprocessors are utilized in a wide range of applications, including high-performance computing, servers, supercomputers, embedded systems, and parallel processing systems. They have become an integral part of modern computer architecture, enabling faster and more efficient computing capabilities for various computational tasks.
Etymology of MULTIPROCESSORS
The word "multiprocessors" is derived from two main components: "multi-" and "processors".
1. "Multi-" is a prefix derived from the Latin word "multus", meaning "many" or "multiple". It is commonly used to indicate a large number, variety, or quantity of something.
2. "Processors" is the plural form of the word "processor", which originates from the verb "process". "Process" comes from the Old French word "proces", meaning "a sequence of events", which in turn is derived from the Latin word "processus", meaning "progression" or "course of action".
Therefore, combining these two components, "multiprocessors" refers to computing systems or machines that have multiple processors or central processing units (CPUs) working in parallel to execute multiple tasks or processes simultaneously.
