Multiprogramming Concepts Which of the following is NOT an advantage of multiprogramming?

Computer Science Operating Systems Concepts Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
  • A
    Increased throughput
  • B
    Shorter average response time
  • C
    Decreased operating-system overhead
  • D
    Ability to assign priorities to jobs
  • E
    None 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.

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