Before the advent of interactive time-sharing systems, what was the predominant method by which users accessed and ran programs on large computers?

Introduction / Context:
Early mainframe computing emphasized throughput over interactivity. Users prepared jobs offline and submitted them to be executed later by operators. Only later did time-sharing allow multiple interactive users. The question asks for the dominant access method in the pre–time-sharing era.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Time-sharing was not yet available.
• Users could not interact with programs in real time.
• Operational practices focused on queues of jobs processed in sequence or batches.

Concept / Approach:

Batch processing executes groups of jobs without user interaction. Users delivered decks of punched cards or magnetic media to operators, who scheduled them. Output was collected later (printouts, listings). This model dominated until interactive terminals and operating systems enabled time-sharing and conversational computing.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Computing histories detail the shift from batch queues to time-sharing (e.g., CTSS, MULTICS), confirming batch as the earlier predominant mode.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Remote access/telecommunication: Became practical with terminals and networks; not predominant before time-sharing.

All of the above: Overbroad and historically inaccurate for the pre-time-sharing norm.

None: Incorrect because batch processing is the recognized answer.

Common Pitfalls:

Projecting modern remote access paradigms backward in time; underestimating the operational role of operators and card decks.

Final Answer:

batch processing