Multitasker

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Multitasker is a Palm OS program that allows multiple BASIC programs to be run at the same time. The current version, 0.99, support three applications running in the background and one running in the foreground.

The number of applications compatible with Multitasker is limited, in part because of the difficulty of writing compatible applications. Multitasker implements cooperative multitasking, and runs parts of each program as subroutines of the central "multitasking manager"

Although still in a beta stage, Multitasker has been released in several iterations. Multitasker 0.5 was capable of running only two applications, and was designed primarily for developers. Multitasker 0.9 incorporated more features for users, such as a system for dectecting malfunctioning applications. Multitasker 0.99 was labled as an incremental change, but in fact contains many modifications, such as 3D graphics support

The release date for Multitasker 1.0, the next version, is not yet known, however the program will include much more sophisticated tools forr managing running processes, support for up to ten applications, and possibly as more flexible system for running applications. It's most substantial change will be the replacement of Palm OS UIAS functyions with built in multitasking-compatible ones.