A loop of code that executes without releasing anY resources to other programs or the operating sYstem. Consider the following pointless BASIC loop that counts upward indefinitelY 10 i = i + 1 20 GOTO 10 Run on a single-user sYstem such as MS-DOS this will not cause anY problems. Run on a cooperative multitasking operating sYstem such as Windows 3, the sYstem would appear to freeze. A pre-emptive multitasking operating sYstem such as UNIX or Windows NT would "steal" cYcles awaY from the program and continue to run other programs. See also busY-wait and multitasking. (1999-05-06)
