System resourceA computersystem resource is any hardware or software aspect of limited availability that is accessible to a computer system. Like any resource, computer system resources can be exhausted, and issues arise due to scarcity. Resource management, a key aspect of designinghardware and software, includes preventing resource leaks (not releasing a resource done with it) and handling resource contention (when multiple processes want to access the same resource).Lock (computer science)In computer science, a lock or mutex (from mutual exclusion) is a synchronization primitive that prevents state from being modified or accessed by multiple threads of execution at once. Locks enforce mutual exclusion concurrency control policies, and with a variety of possible methods there exist multiple unique implementations for different applications.
Process (computing)In computing, a process is the instance of a computer program that is being executed by one or many threads. There are many different process models, some of which are lightweight, but almost all processes (even entire virtual machines) are rooted in an operating system (OS) process which comprises the program code, assigned system resources, physical and logical access permissions, and data structures to initiate, control and coordinate execution activity.
Thread (computing)In computer science, a thread of execution is the smallest sequence of programmed instructions that can be managed independently by a scheduler, which is typically a part of the operating system. In many cases, a thread is a component of a process. The multiple threads of a given process may be executed concurrently (via multithreading capabilities), sharing resources such as memory, while different processes do not share these resources.MultiprocessingMultiprocessing (MP) is the use of two or more central processing units (CPUs) within one computer system. The term also refers to the ability of a system to support more than one processor or the ability to allocate tasks between them.
Operating systemAn operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also include accounting software for cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, peripherals, and other resources.Distributed computingDistributed computing is a field of computer science that studies distributed systems, defined as computer systems whose inter-communicating components are located on different networked computers. The components of a distributed system communicate and coordinate their actions by passing messages to one another in order to achieve a common goal.
Parallel computingLarge supercomputers such as IBM's Blue Gene/P are designed to heavily exploit parallelism.Parallel computing is a type of computation in which many calculations or processes are carried out simultaneously. Large problems can often be divided into smaller ones, which can then be solved at the same time. There are several different forms of parallel computing: bit-level, instruction-level, data, and task parallelism.
Process stateIn a multitaskingcomputer system, processes may occupy a variety of states. These distinct states may not be recognized as such by the operating systemkernel. However, they are a useful abstraction for the understanding of processes. Primary process statesThe following typical process states are possible on computer systems of all kinds. In most of these states, processes are "stored" on main memory.Communications systemA communications system is a collection of individual telecommunications networks systems, relay stations, tributary stations, and terminal equipment usually capable of interconnection and interoperation to form an integrated whole. Communication systems allow the transfer of information from one place to another or from one device to another through a specified channel or medium.
Concurrent computingConcurrent computing is a form of computing in which several computations are executed concurrently—during overlapping time periods—instead of sequentially—with one completing before the next starts. This is a property of a system—whether a program, computer, or a network—where there is a separate execution point or "thread of control" for each process. A concurrent system is one where a computation can advance without waiting for all other computations to complete.Synchronization (computer science)In computer science, synchronization is the task of coordinating multiple processes to join up or handshake at a certain point, in order to reach an agreement or commit to a certain sequence of action. MotivationThe need for synchronization does not arise merely in multi-processor systems but for any kind of concurrent processes; even in single processor systems.*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.