The document discusses I/O multiplexing using select and poll functions. It introduces select which allows a process to check if one or more file descriptors are ready for certain I/O conditions (e.g. reading, writing). Select blocks until one of the descriptors satisfies the specified conditions. It also describes how to use select to check read/write readiness of input/output devices and sockets. The document then rewrites an example client program to use select instead of separate system calls, allowing it to simultaneously wait for input from a socket or standard input.