Final answer:
The decision as to which processes are added to the runnable pool in a computer system is referred to as process scheduling. This task is performed by the scheduler, a system component that uses various algorithms to manage the efficient execution of processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The decision as to which processes will be added to the pool of processes that may run on the system is known as the scheduling decision. In operating systems, this decision is made by the scheduler, which is a component that assesses process prioritization based on various criteria, such as process priority, the amount of time a process has been waiting, the type of resources needed, and the need to balance CPU and I/O operations.
The scheduler uses algorithms like First-Come, First-Served (FCFS), Shortest Job Next (SJN), or Round Robin (RR) among many others, to manage the process scheduling. This task is crucial for the efficient functioning of the system since it directly affects the response time, throughput, and overall CPU utilization. Multitasking operating systems require particularly sophisticated scheduling algorithms to ensure that the system provides a seamless multitasking experience.