What is multitasking in the context of an operating system?

Multitasking in the context of an operating system refers to the ability to execute multiple processes simultaneously. This means that the operating system can manage and schedule the execution of more than one task or application at the same time. Modern operating systems take advantage of multi-core processors that can actually run several processes in parallel, enhancing performance and user experience.

Multitasking allows users to switch between applications without closing them and enables applications to perform background tasks while the user continues to work on other tasks. This is a fundamental feature of operating systems that improves efficiency and productivity, as it provides a seamless experience when handling various applications at once.

The other options describe different aspects of computer functionality. Running one application at a time refers to single-tasking rather than multitasking. Loading applications into RAM pertains to memory management and how the operating system prepares applications for execution. Monitoring system performance involves tracking the overall health and efficiency of the system rather than the execution of multiple processes, which does not directly define multitasking itself.