Computers: method of running more than one program on the same computer at the same time, so that the computer serves many users at different terminals simultaneously. A dumb terminal and a modem from a remote location provide access to a mainframe computer set up for time-sharing.
Real estate: form of property ownership under which a property is held by a number of people, each with the right of possession for a specified time interval. Time-sharing is most commonly applied to resort and vacation properties, but may be used for other properties.
- shared use of a mainframe computer by various individuals or organizations who do not have the need or resources to own and operate their own computer. The mainframe is usually accessed via a remote terminal-that is, a terminal in a separate location from the mainframe, typically located in the user's office. Timesharing is made possible by the computer's ability to process several jobs simultaneously. The fee for a time-sharing service is usually based upon some combination of a flat fee for the service, a variable fee for the number of times the computer is accessed, and a variable fee for the duration of each access. See also CPU time.
- real estate sales agreement in which the buyer contracts for ownership of a property during a specified portion of each year. Timesharing is commonly used to sell vacation and resort properties.
a form of property ownership under which a property is held by a number of people, each with the right of possession for a specified time interval. Time-sharing is most commonly applied to resort and vacation properties.
Example: Ingram is an owner in a time-sharing arrangement for a lakefront cottage. Ingram is entitled to use the cottage each year from July 1 to July 15. Use of the property during the remainder of the year is divided among other owners. All property expenses are paid by an owners' association to which Ingram pays an annual fee.
