Task Switching

Refers to operating systems or operating environments that enable you to switch from one program to another without losing your spot in the first program. Many utilities are available that add task switching to DOS systems.

Note that task switching is not the same as multitasking. In multitasking, the CPU switches back and forth quickly between programs, giving the appearance that all programs are running simultaneously. In task switching, the CPU does not switch back and forth, but executesonly one program at a time. Task switching does allow you to switch smoothly from one program to another.

Task switching is sometimes called context switching.

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