Title: Internet Research - Activity 4
Course: CGS 1560 Microcomputer Operating Systems > Section: Module 4 - Operating Systems and the Central Processing Units (CPUs)

While there are certainly a lot of computers still being used that have a single processor and single core, almost all new computers have multi-core processors. Theoretically, this allows for parallel processing, which means that the hardware will support it if the operating system and applications do. The Oxford Dictionary defines parallel processing as, “a mode of operation in which a process is split into parts, which are executed simultaneously on different processors attached to the same computer.” With the advent of reasonably priced computers with multi-core processors this definition should be expanded to include, “… on different processors or cores on the same computer.”

There are three components critical to parallel processing - hardware, applications and operating systems. In the case of hardware, the engineering of the processor determines how efficiently the cores communicate. The operating system has limits regarding how many cores it can control and monitor. The applications have to be written to split themselves into smaller pieces to be processed simultaneously. The operating system is the middle factor in the parallel processing equation.

Currently the 64-bit OS exceeds the capabilities of home computer hardware. It is capable of both 2 or 4 physical processors and a total of 256 cores regardless of physical processors. The question becomes, “How will we deal with the newer generations of processors from an operating systems perspective?” Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is currently working on this problem. MIT News has produced 5 articles on this subject that you will use for your reference material. You are free to add valid reference materials to your paper; however, you must use a minimum of 2 of the MIT News articles in your paper.

A research paper is essential in researching a topic to determine what is currently being accomplished in a discipline or industry. The importance of a research paper is that it teaches students to evaluate and report on the main ideas of a particular subject area using synthesis. Synthesizing information is not summarizing each article, but rather organizing the information by each of the main points of the larger topic. All of the articles can be accessed from the following link:

MIT News: The Multicore Future
http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/topic/the-multicore-future.html

- Goal: To produce a research paper that explains the current research related to operating systems and parallel processing.
- Ideas: Tie the research in the articles to any of the current 64-bit operating systems such as, Linux, OS X, or MS Windows. Express your thoughts supported by blending your research with an opinion of why you think this research is important.
- Due date: Due in two weeks see Course Schedule
- Length: (200 words minimum) the page limit forces you to carefully choose your words and eliminate vague sentences.
- Format: Times 12, one-inch margins, 1.5 line spacing.
- Citations: You may choose either MLA or APA in-text citation style; include a properly formatted Works Cited or Reference page
- Heading: The heading should include your name, the class "Jones ¬ CGS-1560C," the assignment "Research Paper," and the date.
- Sources: At least two of the MIT News articles and one reliable substantive industry sources. There is a minimum of three references total. Industry sources would be corporate news releases, white papers, industry or trade journals, magazines and other articles.

Submit your completed essay to the assignment dropbox.