What capability allows a computer to perform multiple processes simultaneously?

The capability that enables a computer to perform multiple processes simultaneously is referred to as multitasking. This allows an operating system to manage the execution of multiple processes at the same time, giving the perception that these tasks are happening concurrently.

Multitasking is particularly important in modern computing environments where users expect applications to run smoothly without having to wait for one process to complete before another begins. This capability is achieved through various methods, including time-slicing, where the CPU rapidly switches between tasks, or by utilizing multiple cores in a processor that can execute different tasks in parallel.

Other concepts like task management and process scheduling play essential roles in multitasking but do not directly define the capability itself. Task management refers to how processes are created, managed, and terminated, while process scheduling deals with the order in which tasks are executed by the CPU. Concurrent processing can also describe simultaneous operation, but it typically emphasizes how tasks run together rather than the ability to multitask as a feature of the system.