"深入理解操作系统：多处理器系统原理与应用"

Multiprocessor systems have become increasingly important in meeting the demands for faster and more efficient computing. These systems allow for multiple CPUs to share full access to a common RAM, enabling increased performance and versatility. There are several different types of multiprocessor hardware, including Unified Memory Access (UMA) with bus-based multiprocessors, crossbar switch systems, and other variations. The most common multiprocessor systems utilize a shared memory model, where all processors can access a single memory location. This model requires a cache coherence protocol to ensure data consistency across the multiple processors. Another approach to multiprocessor systems is message passing, where processors communicate with each other through message passing rather than accessing shared memory. This can be particularly useful in wide area distributed systems, where processors are connected over a network. These systems have the advantage of scalability and fault tolerance, allowing for greater flexibility in system design. Overall, multiprocessor systems offer significant advantages in terms of speed, efficiency, and flexibility. By allowing multiple processors to work together on complex tasks, these systems are able to handle more demanding workloads and provide higher levels of performance. As the need for faster computers continues to grow, multiprocessor systems will play an increasingly important role in meeting these demands.