[LI] [Offline] doubts on SMP concepts

[Public Domain SoftWare <pdsw@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

hi,
I read few lines in an OS book, that has aroused some questions.
this is what the book says ...

"The most common multiple-processor systems now use the
symmetric-multiprocessing model, in which each processor runs an identical copy
of the operating system, and these copies communicate with one another as
needed.
Some systems use asymetric multiprocessing, in which each processor is assigned
a special task. A master processor controls the system; the other processors
either look to the master for the instruction or have predefined tasks. This
scheme defines a master-slave relationship. The master processor schedules and
allocates work to the slave processors."


questions are --
(1) which model does linux follow (as per above characterisation)?
(2) what are the advantages/disadvantages of running two copies of same OS
    over running one copy of OS?

regards
sandeep
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