poe (b) Describe each of the following data processing modes used in computer systems: Gi) Real time; (ii) Time sharing. (4 marks)November 2022

(i) Real-time: Real-time processing is a mode of data processing in which computer systems are designed to respond to input and process data within a specific, short period of time. The goal of real-time processing is to ensure that the system can handle and respond to data as it is received, with minimal delay. Examples of real-time systems include air traffic control systems, medical equipment, and financial trading systems.

(ii) Time-sharing: Time-sharing is a mode of data processing in which multiple users are able to access and use a single computer system at the same time. The system is able to divide its processing time among the different users, allowing each user to run their own programs or access their own data simultaneously. This is achieved by the use of a scheduler that switches between different users’ processes quickly, giving the impression that each user has the full resources of the computer system at their disposal. Time-sharing systems were popular in the 1960s and 1970s, but have been largely replaced by multi-user and multi-tasking systems.