Chapter 4: Multiprocessing

• When a specialized computer has more then one CUP for increased performance, and operating system must be developed specifically. This ensures the compute can understand and work with more than one processor. 
• Symmetric mode is when the processors are handed work as needed. You can see this in Figure 4-5 from the CISSP All-in-One Exam Guide book example CPU 1 and 2 are an example of symmetric mode. 
• When a process needs instructions to be executed, a scheduler determines which processor is ready for more work and sends it on. 
• Asymmetric mode is when a processor is dedicated to a specific task or application and all other software would run on a different processor. In Figure 4-5, you can see an example of this in CPU 3 and 4. CPU 4 is dedicated to one application and its threads while CPU 3 is used by the operating system. 
• Asymmetric mode usually indicates that the computer has some type of time-sensitive application that needs its own personal processor. Therefore, the system scheduler sends instructions from the time-sensitive application to CPU 4 and sends all the other instructions from the operating systems and other applications to CPU 3.