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Interrupt Definition and Explanation PDF Download

Learn Interrupt definition in operating system with explanation to study “What is Interrupt”. Study interrupt explanation with operating system terms to review operating system course for online degree programs.

Interrupt Definition:

  • A suspension of a process, such as the execution of a computer program, caused by an event external to that process.

    Operating Systems by William Stallings



Interrupt Explanation:

An interrupt is a function of an operating system that provides multi-process multi-tasking. It is a signal that prompts the operating system to stop the work being performed on the process and shift the cycles to process the interrupt. The operating system would not turn back to the main process until the processing of the interrupt is complete.

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