0
Why cant a single computer processor execute two or more programs simultaneously?
Wiki User
∙ 15y ago
In simple terms a single processor can only process one machine instruction at a time; it's just not possible to execute two or more instructions simultaneously and therefore not possible to execute 2 programs simultaneously.
However, it's not quite as simple as that because a modern processor can have 2 or more cores, in which case it is possible to execute 2 or more instructions simultaneously. However, that's not quite the same thing as executing 2 programs simultaneously as we invariably execute far more threads of execution than we have cores available.
Note that a program consists of one or more processes and a process consists of one or more threads of execution. Although it is theoretically possible to execute two threads simultaneously upon two cores, when those cores share the same processor they also share the same L2 cache and that's really only beneficial when both threads share the same process. With 2 independent processors there's a better chance of simultaneous program execution, however it's nigh on impossible to guarantee this unless the system is specifically designed for that purpose. In a multi-processing, multi-threaded environment, task-switching makes it next to impossible for any two independent programs to execute simultaneously because every thread has to yield to waiting threads.
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
Wiki User
∙ 9y agoA single CPU can only physically execute one instruction at a time. Thus all instructions must be executed concurrently, regardless of how many processes are running and how many threads of execution each process has. With multiple CPUs, two or more processes can execute simultaneously. If a process has two or more threads, they can also execute simultaneously, unless the process has an affinity towards a specific CPU, in which case the threads run concurrently while the processes run simultaneously.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agoit depends on the processor speed a fast processor (eg.4GHz) would be able to do far more than 2 programs
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What general-purpose computer must have to run other programs?
A general-purpose computer requires an operating system to load and execute other programs.
What is proccessor?
Processor in Personal computer can be called Central Processing Unit[CPU]which acts like the brain of of the computer.It contrals,operates and does all the work governing the computer.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hiding the underlying complexity of hardware?
One of the advantages of hiding the underlying complexity of hardware is that computer programmers can create programs faster and more easily. The disadvantage of this is that programs take longer to execute due to the required translation.
Can a computer program develop the initiative to execute tasks in a better way than its programmers?
no
What is the part of a computer that runs programs called?
AnswerThe KERNELAnswerThe CPU (Central Processing Unit) is actually the one who runs or executes a program. Without it, no computer could run a program without it.
What is parallel processing or processor?
Parallel processing is a processing method that uses multiple processors simultaneously to execute a single program or task Processor is a electronic component on a computer's motherboard that interprets and carries out the basic instructions that operate the computer
What is a processor use for?
Processes mathematical equations as you open/close/execute programs.
What is a processor chip used for?
Processes mathematical equations as you open/close/execute programs.
How many threads can core 2 duo processor execute simutaneously?
Since the core 2 duo processor has two execution units, it can execute two threads simultaneously. (If you said quad instead of duo, the answer would be four.)
Can the processor of a computer system directly execute source programs written in Java?
No. Even using the Java Native Interface, code written in Java is always in a high-level language.
What is the use of word processors?
A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is an electronic circuit that can execute computer programs, which are actually sets of instructions. This term has been in use in the computer industry at least since the early 1960s
What general-purpose computer must have to run other programs?
A general-purpose computer requires an operating system to load and execute other programs.
Comparision between superscaler and super pipelined processor?
Superscalar machines execute regular sequential programs. The programmer is unaware of the parallelism.
What is the difference between concurrent processing and simultaneous processing. A single processor can execute two processes concurrently but not simultaneously Why?
Single processor can execute 2 process concurrently means when one is doing i/o activity at tht time another is executing.. but not possible tht both are executing cpu at same time
Control unit of a digital computer is to?
Read & Execute instructions provided during execution of Programs.
Explain the operating system layers that is monolithic?
Early computing was performed on a single processor. Makes use of a single cpu to execute one or more programs for each application Ex: A uni-processor
How many instructions can a 550 mhz computer execute at a time?
Without more knowledge as to the architecture of the processor, there's no way to answer the question.
