Multitasking

1. Multitasking is the apparent simultaneous performance of two or more tasks by a computer's central processing unit.

See also:

• Computer multitasking
• Time-sharing
• Pre-emptive multitasking
• Co-operative multitasking
• Multithreading

2. Derived from the first sense, multitasking is the colloquial term for a human being's simultaneous handling of multiple tasks. It is a requirement, or at least a useful skill, in many career fields.