12 Questions
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes a multiprocessor system from a system with a single CPU and one or more input-output processors?
The presence of multiple CPUs with computational facilities comparable to a CPU.
How are computers interconnected in a multicomputer system?
By means of communication lines to form a computer network.
What is the role of the operating system in a multiprocessor system?
It provides interaction between processors and ensures all components of the system cooperate in the solution of a problem.
What is the classification of multiprocessor systems according to Sec. 9-1?
Multiple instruction stream, multiple data stream (MIMD) systems.
What is the key difference between a multiprocessor system and a multicomputer system?
A multiprocessor system is controlled by one operating system, whereas a multicomputer system consists of multiple autonomous computers.
What is the term used to describe a central processing unit (CPU) or an input-output processor (IOP) in a multiprocessor system?
Processor.
What has been the major motivation for multiprocessor systems?
The emergence of the microprocessor
What is one way in which multiprocessing improves the reliability of a system?
If a fault causes one processor to fail, a second processor can be assigned to perform the functions of the disabled processor
In what two ways can computations proceed in parallel in a multiprocessor system?
Multiple independent jobs can be made to operate in parallel, and a single job can be partitioned into multiple parallel tasks
What is an advantage of allocating system tasks to special purpose processors?
These processors can be designed to perform certain types of processing efficiently
How can a user achieve parallel execution of certain tasks in a program?
By explicitly declaring that certain tasks be executed in parallel prior to loading the program
What is the role of a compiler with multiprocessor software?
It can automatically detect parallelism in a user's program and decompose it into parallel executable tasks
Test your understanding of multiprocessor systems, including the definition and components of such systems. Learn about the role of CPUs and IOPs in multiprocessor systems. Identify the key characteristics that define a multiprocessor system.
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