Operating Systems
Introduction to
Processes
, Process Concept
• Process is a program in execution; forms the basis of all
computation; process execution must progress in sequential
fashion.
• Program is a passive entity stored on disk (executable file),
Process is an active entity; A program becomes a process when
executable file is loaded into memory.
• Execution of program is started via CLI entry of its name,
GUI mouse clicks, etc.
• A process is an instance of a running program; it can be
assigned to, and executed on, a processor.
• Related terms for Process: Job, Step, Load Module, Task,
Thread.
2 A. Frank - P. Weisberg
Introduction to
Processes
, Process Concept
• Process is a program in execution; forms the basis of all
computation; process execution must progress in sequential
fashion.
• Program is a passive entity stored on disk (executable file),
Process is an active entity; A program becomes a process when
executable file is loaded into memory.
• Execution of program is started via CLI entry of its name,
GUI mouse clicks, etc.
• A process is an instance of a running program; it can be
assigned to, and executed on, a processor.
• Related terms for Process: Job, Step, Load Module, Task,
Thread.
2 A. Frank - P. Weisberg
