Time-sharing

This article is about the computing term. For the type of property ownership, see Timeshare. For time sharing of communications media, see Time-division multiple access. For the 1986 novel by Richard Krawiec, see Time Sharing (novel).
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In computing, time-sharing is the concurrent sharing of a computing resource among many tasks or users by giving each task or user a small slice of processing time. This quick switch between tasks or users gives the illusion of simultaneous execution.[1][2] It enables multi-tasking by a single user or enables multiple-user sessions.

Developed during the 1960s, its emergence as the prominent model of computing in the 1970s represented a major technological shift in the history of computing. By allowing many users to interact concurrently with a single computer, time-sharing dramatically lowered the cost of providing computing capability, made it possible for individuals and organizations to use a computer without owning one,[3] and promoted the interactive use of computers and the development of new interactive applications.

  1. ^ "Time-sharing definition – Glossary | NordVPN". nordvpn.com (in Portuguese). 2023-11-23. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  2. ^ "Time Sharing Operating System". GeeksforGeeks. 2020-04-28. Retrieved 2024-06-17.
  3. ^ IBM advertised, early 1960s, with a headline: "This man is sharing a $2 million computer"