Monikäyttöjärjestelmä

Monikäyttöjärjestelmä, known in English as a multi-user operating system, is a type of operating system that allows multiple users to access a computer system or network of computers simultaneously. Each user is provided with their own independent session, allowing them to run programs, access files, and manage their resources without interfering with other users.

The core functionality of a monikäyttöjärjestelmä lies in its ability to manage and allocate system resources, such as CPU time, memory, and storage, among its various users. This is typically achieved through process scheduling, memory management, and file system management techniques. Security is also a critical aspect, with mechanisms in place to ensure that each user's data and processes are isolated and protected from unauthorized access by other users.

Common examples of monikäyttöjärjestelmät include Unix and its derivatives like Linux and macOS, as well as Windows Server editions. These systems are widely used in environments where resource sharing and concurrent access are essential, such as in businesses, educational institutions, and web servers. The development of monikäyttöjärjestelmät was a significant advancement in computing, enabling more efficient use of hardware and facilitating collaborative work.