Efficient Multiprogramming Resource Allocation and Accounting Although sometimes thought of as only a component of time-sharing operation, multiprogramming can involve broader questions of resource allocation, since fairness is not required to meet a response criterion. In a multiprogrammed system, it may serve maximal resource use to be unfair, for example by holding an input/output channel idle for a program while it completes a small amount of processor usage, enabling further use of the channel. Several applications of this principle are given, and it is suggested that a multiprogramming executive might dynamically adjust its allocation algorithms to gain efficiency. Allocation of resources is closely connected to accounting for those resources, raising the problems of repeatability, minimal uncharged overhead, and relative weighting of charges for dependent resources. Since weightings may depend on allocation algorithms, these are not arbitrary accounting parameters. Often the only repeatable accounting is one which omits an extensive overhead will be paid, and should multiprogramming prove efficient, overcharges will result. Multiprogramming turns on allocation of the memory resource essential to control of other resources. The general suggestions for allocation and accounting are applied to this question, and some details provided for the case of a monitor which controls a virtual-memory machine. CACM June, 1973 Hamlet, R. G. monitor, executive, multiprogramming, efficiency, resource allocation, resource accounting 4.32 CA730601 JB January 23, 1978 3:51 PM 1892 4 2499 1901 4 2499 2085 4 2499 2095 4 2499 2218 4 2499 2277 4 2499 2319 4 2499 2329 4 2499 2358 4 2499 2373 4 2499 2380 4 2499 2434 4 2499 2499 4 2499 2501 4 2499 2582 4 2499 2669 4 2499 2828 4 2499 2863 4 2499 2881 4 2499 2928 4 2499 2996 4 2499 3006 4 2499 3067 4 2499 1751 5 2499 2499 5 2499 2499 5 2499 2499 5 2499 3114 5 2499 1502 6 2499 2499 6 2499 2745 6 2499