Multi-user software: Difference between revisions
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Difference between multi-session OS and multi-user. |
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'''Multi-user''' [[software]] is software that allows access by multiple [[User (computing)|user]]s of a [[computer]]. [[Time-sharing]] systems are multi-user systems. Most [[batch processing]] systems for [[mainframe computer]]s may also be considered "multi-user", to avoid leaving the [[central processing unit|CPU]] idle while it waits for [[input/output|I/O]] operations to complete. However, the term "[[Computer multitasking|multitasking]]" is more common in this context. |
'''Multi-user''' [[software]] is software that allows access by multiple [[User (computing)|user]]s of a [[computer]]. [[Time-sharing]] systems are multi-user systems. Most [[batch processing]] systems for [[mainframe computer]]s may also be considered "multi-user", to avoid leaving the [[central processing unit|CPU]] idle while it waits for [[input/output|I/O]] operations to complete. However, the term "[[Computer multitasking|multitasking]]" is more common in this context. |
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This terminology is a bit misleading, as at the beginning Multi-user OS was considered one that allowed for parallel work on the same machine - this could be named today 'multi-session'. This additional note is required as some advertised operating systems like macOS are not multi-session (X-Window) capable. In this context having ability to create multiple accounts is considered by Apple as 'being multi-user' which was not the case when the term first surfaced in Unix-era operating systems. |
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An example is a '''[[Unix]]''' server where multiple remote users have access (such as via a [[Serial port|serial port]] or [[Secure Shell]]) to the [[Unix shell]] prompt at the same time. Another example uses multiple [[X Window System|X Window]] sessions spread across multiple terminals powered by a single machine - this is an example of the use of [[thin client]]. Similar functions were also available under [[MP/M]], [[Concurrent DOS]], [[Multiuser DOS]] and [[FlexOS]]. |
An example is a '''[[Unix]]''' server where multiple remote users have access (such as via a [[Serial port|serial port]] or [[Secure Shell]]) to the [[Unix shell]] prompt at the same time. Another example uses multiple [[X Window System|X Window]] sessions spread across multiple terminals powered by a single machine - this is an example of the use of [[thin client]]. Similar functions were also available under [[MP/M]], [[Concurrent DOS]], [[Multiuser DOS]] and [[FlexOS]]. |
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Revision as of 08:16, 9 February 2019
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Multi-user software is software that allows access by multiple users of a computer. Time-sharing systems are multi-user systems. Most batch processing systems for mainframe computers may also be considered "multi-user", to avoid leaving the CPU idle while it waits for I/O operations to complete. However, the term "multitasking" is more common in this context.
This terminology is a bit misleading, as at the beginning Multi-user OS was considered one that allowed for parallel work on the same machine - this could be named today 'multi-session'. This additional note is required as some advertised operating systems like macOS are not multi-session (X-Window) capable. In this context having ability to create multiple accounts is considered by Apple as 'being multi-user' which was not the case when the term first surfaced in Unix-era operating systems.
An example is a Unix server where multiple remote users have access (such as via a serial port or Secure Shell) to the Unix shell prompt at the same time. Another example uses multiple X Window sessions spread across multiple terminals powered by a single machine - this is an example of the use of thin client. Similar functions were also available under MP/M, Concurrent DOS, Multiuser DOS and FlexOS.
Some multi-user operating systems such as Windows versions from the Windows NT family support simultaneous access by multiple users (for example, via Remote Desktop Connection) as well as the ability for a user to disconnect from a local session while leaving processes running (doing work on their behalf) while another user logs into and uses the system. The operating system provides isolation of each user's processes from other users, while enabling them to execute concurrently[dubious – discuss].
Management systems are implicitly designed to be used by multiple users, typically one system administrator or more and an end-user community.
The complementary term, single-user, is most commonly used when talking about an operating system being usable only by one person at a time, or in reference to a single-user software license agreement. Multi-user operating systems such as Unix sometimes have a single user mode or runlevel available for emergency maintenance.
See also
External links
- Interix in a Multi-User Windows TSE Environment paper about the Unix multi-user model and MS-Windows NT TSE
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