What is the term for switching between different processes in a computer system, typically managed by the operating system?

The term for switching between different processes in a computer system, typically managed by the operating system, is known as "Process Switch." A process switch occurs when the operating system saves the state of one process and loads the state of another, allowing multiple processes to share the CPU efficiently. This is a crucial aspect of multitasking operating systems, which enable users to run several applications simultaneously without noticeable delay.

In the context of operating systems, this switching is essential for maintaining an effective flow of operations, as it allows for the fluctuation of resources based on current demands and priorities. Each process has its own state, including the program counter, registers, and memory management information. The operating system's management of these aspects during a process switch ensures that processes can resume from where they left off.

Understanding "Process Switch" helps explain how modern operating systems achieve multitasking, thereby maximizing the performance and usability of computer systems.