Task (computers) facts for kids
A task in computing is like a small job or a set of instructions that a computer needs to do. Imagine a computer program as a big recipe. A task is one step or a small part of that recipe that the computer follows.
When a computer starts a task, it loads the instructions for that task into its memory (RAM). Then, it finds the starting point of these instructions and begins to follow them. It's like opening a specific page in a recipe book and starting to cook from there.
In some computer systems, especially smaller ones like those found in embedded devices (like smartwatches or microwaves), a "task" often means a small, specific program that needs to run at a certain time. This is different from a "process". A process is a bigger, complete running program. When you open a web browser, that's a process. Inside that process, there might be many smaller tasks running.
A computer's brain, called the kernel, helps create processes. It sets aside space in the computer's memory, loads the program's code, and gets everything ready. Then, it starts the process, which can involve one or more tasks.
Both "task" and "process" are different from an "event". An event is something that happens at a specific time or place. For example, when you click your mouse or press a key on your keyboard, that's an event. Computer programs can be designed to react to these events.
Tasks and Processes Today
Today, the words "task" and "process" are often used to mean almost the same thing. Most people use them as synonyms. However, the term "process" is generally preferred.
One important exception is when we talk about "multitasking". Multitasking means a computer can run many tasks or programs at the same time. We don't usually say "multiprocessing" in this context. That's because "multiprocessing" can be confused with "multiprocessor", which means a computer that has more than one main brain (CPU).
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