| Navigation: Glossary Index >====== multi-tasking ============ The capability of an operating system to execute multiple programs at the same time. Pre-emptive multi-tasking allots percentages of CPU time to each individual task, with the operating system automatically switching to the next task at the end of its time allotment. Cooperative multi-tasking, supported by Windows, relies upon the currently executing program to finish a task, or part of one, then yield to the next program. See also Thread. ====== |    |