Final answer:
The dispatch component of the process scheduler in an operating system is responsible for selecting processes for execution on the CPU and managing the transition of processes from the ready state to the running state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dispatch component of the process scheduler in an operating system is primarily responsible for the actual selection of processes to run on the CPU. Its main function is to switch the Central Processing Unit (CPU) to the process selected by the short-term scheduler (or CPU scheduler). This involves context switching, where the state of a CPU is saved such that it can be loaded when that process is rescheduled.
A dispatcher must also handle the transition of a process from the ready state to the running state, enforcing the control mechanism for multitasking capabilities. This could involve considerations such as process prioritization, ensuring that higher priority processes receive more CPU time, or implementing algorithms like round-robin to manage time-sharing among processes.
The dispatcher's role is essential for maintaining efficient and equitable usage of the CPU, thereby ensuring that all processes get executed seamlessly and without undue delay.