System Requirements for Multiple -Access, Time-shared Computers

Abstract

It is now clear that it is possible to create a general-purpose time-shared multiple access system on most contemporary computers. However, it is equally clear that none of the existent computers are well designed for multiple access systems. At present, good service to a few dozen simultaneous users is considered state-of-the-art. Discussions include: clocks, memory protection and supervisor mode, program relocation and common subroutines which expose the reader to the difficulties encountered with contemporary machines when multiple user multiple-processor systems are considered.