moniajakäyttöisyys

Moniajakäyttöisyys refers to the ability of a system, particularly a computer operating system, to allow multiple users to access and use the system simultaneously. This means that several individuals can be logged into the same machine at the same time, each running their own programs and performing their own tasks without significantly interfering with each other. This is achieved through various mechanisms, including time-sharing, where the system's resources are divided into small time slices and allocated to each user in rapid succession, creating the illusion of concurrent execution.

In a multi-user environment, each user typically has their own account, which includes a unique username and password for authentication. This allows for individual settings, file storage, and resource management. Security is a crucial aspect of multi-user systems, as measures are in place to protect each user's data and prevent unauthorized access to other users' information or system resources.

Historically, multi-user systems were primarily found on mainframe computers and minicomputers, serving large organizations. However, with the advent of networking and more powerful personal computers, the concept has become more widespread. Even modern personal computers can be configured to support multiple user accounts, allowing different people to share a single machine. This functionality is essential for servers, which are designed to handle requests from numerous clients simultaneously.