Using Multiprocessor Computers

Multiprocessor computers can have more than one processor installed in them. Computers that contain more than one processor can scale to meet the needs of more demanding application programs. Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Server 2003 are examples of operating systems that can use multiple processors.

There are two multiprocessing methods: Asymmetrical Multiprocessing (ASMP) and Symmetrical Multiprocessing (SMP).

Symmetrical Multiprocessing (SMP)

A computer architecture that uses multiple CPUs to improve a computer's performance. As performance demands increase on an SMP-capable computer, additional CPUs can be added to boost performance. During operation, if one CPU is idle, it can be given any task to perform.

input/output (I/O)

Refers to any device or operation that enters data into or extracts data from a computer.

In ASMP, one processor is reserved to run the operating system and the input/output (I/O) devices. The second ASMP processor runs the application, including the other miscellaneous tasks that the first processor does not handle. This method is often inefficient, because one processor can become busier than the other.

In SMP, all tasks are shared equally. The tasks are split among each processor. The Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, and Windows Server 2003 operating systems support this multiprocessing method.