Final Answer:
Two different strategies to running multiple programs at a time on a computer system are multitasking and multiprocessing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Multitasking involves the concurrent execution of multiple tasks on a single processor. This is achieved through time-sharing, where the processor rapidly switches between executing different tasks. For example, in a multitasking environment, a computer can run a word processor, a web browser, and an email client simultaneously.
Each task is allocated a time slice, and the processor switches between them seamlessly. The total execution time for all tasks is reduced, enhancing overall system efficiency.
On the other hand, multiprocessing involves the use of multiple processors or cores to execute different tasks simultaneously. Unlike multitasking, where a single processor handles multiple tasks sequentially, multiprocessing distributes the workload across multiple processors.
For instance, a computer with a dual-core processor can execute two tasks concurrently, and a quad-core processor can handle four tasks simultaneously. This parallel processing capability significantly improves overall system performance and allows for more efficient utilization of resources.
In summary, multitasking optimizes the use of a single processor by rapidly switching between tasks, while multiprocessing harnesses the power of multiple processors to execute tasks simultaneously. Both strategies enhance a computer system's ability to handle multiple programs concurrently, providing users with a smoother and more responsive computing experience.