Definition

Noun: 1. (Computer Science) A mode of operation in which a single central computer is used by multiple users at the same time. Each user interacts with the system independently, and the computer rapidly switches its attention between users' tasks, creating the illusion that each has dedicated access.

Usage

• Time sharing allows many programmers to work on the same mainframe computer from separate terminals.
• Early time sharing systems were a significant advancement over batch processing.
• The concept of time sharing was fundamental to the development of interactive computing.

Advanced Usage

• Time-sharing system: Refers to the complete hardware and software setup that enables time sharing.
  • The university invested in a powerful time-sharing system for its engineering department.
• Time-sharing service: A commercial service providing access to a central computer.
  • In the 1970s, some businesses used a time-sharing service instead of buying their own computer.

Variants and Related Words

• Time-share (verb): To use a computer system in a time-sharing mode.
  • Multiple departments time-share the server for their computational needs.

Synonyms

• Multiuser operation
• Interactive computing (emphasizes the user experience enabled by time sharing)

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Batch processing: A contrasting mode where users submit jobs to be run one after another without interaction.
• Terminal: The device (e.g., a keyboard and screen) used by a person to access a time-sharing computer.
• Mainframe: The type of large, powerful computer historically used for time sharing.

Noun

1. (computer science) the use of a central computer by many users simultaneously