[comp.sys.ibm.pc] downloading&multitasking

jdmce@ecsvax.UUCP (Duncan McEwen) (04/14/89)

I have been playing around with a Crosstalk "clone" program 
called Mirror.  The program allows for itself to be put
in the background allowing background downloading &tc.

I have noticed that when downloading the program is touchy.
For example, basic programs seems to interupt the download.
At other times foreground programs that apparently don't interfere
with the d/l, lock the computer up.

Can someone give a dissertation on the the conditions in which
background processes can be simulated on the 80286, and help
me understand why the process, at least with Mirror, seems so
fragile?