Computerprozesses

Computerprozesses refers to the fundamental operations and sequences of instructions that a computer executes. These processes are managed by the operating system, which acts as an intermediary between the hardware and the software applications. When a program is launched, the operating system creates a process for it. This process is allocated system resources such as CPU time, memory, and input/output devices.

Each computer process has its own unique identifier, known as a Process ID (PID). The operating system uses these PIDs to track and manage individual processes. Processes can exist in various states, including running, ready, waiting, or terminated. A running process is actively being executed by the CPU. A ready process is waiting for its turn to be executed. A waiting process is paused, often due to waiting for an event, like data from a disk. A terminated process has finished its execution.

Processes can interact with each other through various mechanisms, such as inter-process communication (IPC). This allows different programs to share data or signal events. The operating system's scheduler is responsible for deciding which process gets to use the CPU and for how long, ensuring efficient utilization of system resources and a responsive user experience. Multitasking, a common feature of modern operating systems, is achieved by rapidly switching between different processes, creating the illusion that multiple programs are running simultaneously. Understanding computer processes is key to comprehending how software operates and how operating systems manage computing resources.