Multiprogramming Concepts Which of the following is NOT an advantage of multiprogramming?
-
AIncreased throughput
-
BShorter average response time
-
CDecreased operating-system overhead
-
DAbility to assign priorities to jobs
-
ENone of the above
Answer
Correct Answer: Decreased operating-system overhead
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Multiprogramming allows multiple jobs/processes to share system resources by overlapping CPU and I/O. It generally improves utilization and throughput, but it also introduces management overhead in the operating system.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- We compare typical outcomes of multiprogramming against single-program systems.
- Overhead includes context switches, scheduling, synchronization, and memory management.
Concept / Approach:Evaluate each statement according to classical OS theory. Identify which statement contradicts expected effects of multiprogramming.
Step-by-Step Solution:Increased throughput: true—CPU stays busy while another process waits for I/O.Shorter response time: often improved under balanced load, especially for interactive systems with proper scheduling.Decreased OS overhead: false—more processes require more scheduling, memory management, and synchronization work.Priority assignment: supported in many multiprogramming OSes to meet differing service goals.
Verification / Alternative check:Empirical performance studies show higher CPU utilization and throughput with multiprogramming, but also measurable costs from context switching and paging—evidence that overhead does not decrease.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:Options A, B, and D describe real advantages or capabilities of multiprogramming.“None of the above” is incorrect because one option (reduced overhead) is not an advantage.
Common Pitfalls:
- Assuming response time always improves; under overload, response time can degrade.
- Ignoring that overhead rises with concurrency management.
Final Answer:Decreased operating-system overhead.