The main difference between the single-user and multi-user system are single-user system supports a maximum of one user to access the database but multi-user system supports a minimum of 2 users to access the database simultaneously.
Below we have written various comparison for your better understanding.
What is Single-User System?
A Single-user System is designed for one user to access and work on the system at any given time. Think of it as a personal laptop or a desktop computer at home. In a single-user system, all the resources, like the processor, memory, and software applications, are dedicated to one person.
This setup is ideal for individual tasks, where the focus is on completing personal projects without the need for sharing or collaborating directly through the same system. It’s like having a notebook that only you write in.
What is Multi-User System?
A Multi-user System, on the other hand, allows multiple users to access and work on the system simultaneously. This is common in servers, mainframes, and networked computers in offices or educational institutions. In this setup, the system’s resources are shared among users, and it’s designed to handle concurrent access efficiently.
It’s similar to a shared workspace where several people can work on different projects at the same desk, using the same tools and resources. Multi-user systems are essential for collaborative environments, offering a way for people to work together, share data, and communicate through a single system infrastructure.
Comparison between Single-User and Multi-User System
| Single-user database system | Multi-user database system |
| It supports a maximum of one user to access the database. | It supports a minimum of 2 users to access the database simultaneously. |
| All the resources are always present for the user to access. | Resources are distributed in various systems. |
| It uses both the physical and application layer of the database. | It uses only the application layer. |
| Only one system for the user to work is available. | The database is distributed on multiple devices and using the mainframe the multiple devices are connected together. |
| Examples: Personal computers, Microsoft Access, etc. | Examples: Bank database, library management database, Stock exchange, etc |
| The data is neither integrated nor shared among any other user. | The data are integrated and shared |
| It is less costly | It is costly |
| It is simple to use and add new features | It is slightly complex as compared to the single-user database system. |
| It is not very secure and highly vulnerable | It is secure and less vulnerable |
| Keeping records of every customer and tracking them is difficult in this system | Keeping records of every customer and tracking them is easy in this system |