What does multitasking allow an operating system to do?

Multitasking allows an operating system to execute multiple processes or threads simultaneously, which enhances its efficiency and responsiveness. This capability is fundamental to modern operating systems, enabling users to run multiple applications at the same time without significant delays or interruptions. For instance, a user can listen to music while browsing the web and downloading files, all handled concurrently by the operating system. This simultaneous execution is achieved through various methods, such as time-slicing or parallel processing on multi-core processors, allowing more effective use of CPU resources and improved overall performance for the end user.

In contrast, running multiple applications in sequence focuses on completing one task after another rather than simultaneously. Performing scheduled backups is a task management function that does not involve multitasking in the sense of executing processes concurrently. Finally, while multitasking may indirectly lead to improved workflow and perceived speed by allowing many tasks to progress at once, it does not inherently increase the speed of a single process. Instead, multitasking is about optimizing resource allocation and task management within the operating system.