Types of Operating Systems

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An Operating System performs all the basic tasks like managing files, processes, and
memory. Thus operating system acts as the manager of all the resources, i.e. resource
manager. Thus, the operating system becomes an interface between the user and the
machine. It is one of the most required software that is present in the device.
Operating System is a type of software that works as an interface between the system
program and the hardware. There are several types of Operating Systems many of
which are mentioned below. Let’s have a look at them.
Types of Operating Systems
There are several types of Operating Systems which are mentioned below.
 Batch Operating System
 Multi-Programming System
 Multi-Processing System
 Multi-Tasking Operating System
 Time-Sharing Operating System
 Distributed Operating System
 Network Operating System
 Real-Time Operating System

1. Batch Operating System

This type of operating system does not interact with the computer directly. There is an
operator which takes similar jobs having the same requirements and groups them into
batches. It is the responsibility of the operator to sort jobs with similar needs. Batch
Operating System is designed to manage and execute a large number of jobs
efficiently by processing them in groups.

Batch Operating System

Advantages of Batch Operating System
 Multiple users can share the batch systems.
 The idle time for the batch system is very less.
 It is easy to manage large work repeatedly in batch systems.
Disadvantages of Batch Operating System
 Batch systems are hard to debug.
 It is sometimes costly.
 The other jobs will have to wait for an unknown time if any job fails.
 In batch operating system the processing time for jobs is commonly difficult to
accurately predict while they are in the queue.
 It is difficult to accurately predict the exact time required for a job to complete
while it is in the queue.
Examples of Batch Operating Systems: Payroll Systems, Bank Statements, etc.

2. Multi-Programming Operating System

Multiprogramming Operating Systems can be simply illustrated as more than one
program is present in the main memory and any one of them can be kept in execution.
This is basically used for better utilization of resources.

MultiProgramming

Advantages of Multi-Programming Operating System

 Multi Programming increases the Throughput of the System.
 It helps in reducing the response time.
Disadvantages of Multi-Programming Operating System
 There is not any facility for user interaction of system resources with the system.
3. Multi-Processing Operating System
Multi-Processing Operating System is a type of Operating System in which more than
one CPU is used for the execution of resources. It betters the throughput of the
System.

Multiprocessing Operating System

Advantages of Multi-Processing Operating System

 It increases the throughput of the system.
 As it has several processors, so, if one processor fails, we can proceed with another
processor.
Disadvantages of Multi-Processing Operating System
 Due to the multiple CPU, it can be more complex and somehow difficult to
understand.

4. Multi-Tasking Operating System

Multitasking Operating System is simply a multiprogramming Operating System with
having facility of a Round-Robin Scheduling Algorithm. It can run multiple programs
simultaneously.
There are two types of Multi-Tasking Systems which are listed below.
 Preemptive Multi-Tasking
 Cooperative Multi-Tasking
 Multitasking Operating System

Advantages of Multi-Tasking Operating System

 Multiple Programs can be executed simultaneously in Multi-Tasking Operating
System.
 It comes with proper memory management.
Disadvantages of Multi-Tasking Operating System
 The system gets heated in case of heavy programs multiple times.

5. Time-Sharing Operating Systems

Each task is given some time to execute so that all the tasks work smoothly. Each user
gets the time of the CPU as they use a single system. These systems are also known as
Multitasking Systems. The task can be from a single user or different users also. The
time that each task gets to execute is called quantum. After this time interval is over
OS switches over to the next task.
 Time-Sharing OS

Advantages of Time-Sharing OS
 Each task gets an equal opportunity.
 Fewer chances of duplication of software.
 CPU idle time can be reduced.
 Resource Sharing: Time-sharing systems allow multiple users to share hardware
resources such as the CPU, memory, and peripherals, reducing the cost of
hardware and increasing efficiency.
 Improved Productivity: Time-sharing allows users to work concurrently, thereby
reducing the waiting time for their turn to use the computer. This increased
productivity translates to more work getting done in less time.
 Improved User Experience: Time-sharing provides an interactive environment that
allows users to communicate with the computer in real time, providing a better
user experience than batch processing.
Disadvantages of Time-Sharing OS
 Reliability problem.
 One must have to take care of the security and integrity of user programs and data.
 Data communication problem.
 High Overhead: Time-sharing systems have a higher overhead than other operating
systems due to the need for scheduling, context switching, and other overheads
that come with supporting multiple users.
 Complexity: Time-sharing systems are complex and require advanced software to
manage multiple users simultaneously. This complexity increases the chance of
bugs and errors.
 Security Risks: With multiple users sharing resources, the risk of security breaches
increases. Time-sharing systems require careful management of user access,
authentication, and authorization to ensure the security of data and software.
Examples of Time-Sharing OS with explanation
 IBM VM/CMS: IBM VM/CMS is a time-sharing operating system that was first
introduced in 1972. It is still in use today, providing a virtual machine environment
that allows multiple users to run their own instances of operating systems and
applications.
 TSO (Time Sharing Option): TSO is a time-sharing operating system that was
first introduced in the 1960s by IBM for the IBM System/360 mainframe
computer. It allowed multiple users to access the same computer simultaneously,
running their own applications.
 Windows Terminal Services: Windows Terminal Services is a time-sharing
operating system that allows multiple users to access a Windows server remotely.
Users can run their own applications and access shared resources, such as printers
and network storage, in real-time.

6. Distributed Operating System

These types of operating system is a recent advancement in the world of computer
technology and are being widely accepted all over the world and, that too, at a great
pace. Various autonomous interconnected computers communicate with each other
using a shared communication network. Independent systems possess their own
memory unit and CPU. These are referred to as loosely coupled systems or distributed
systems. These systems’ processors differ in size and function. The major benefit of
working with these types of the operating system is that it is always possible that one
user can access the files or software which are not actually present on his system but
some other system connected within this network i.e., remote access is enabled within
the devices connected in that network.

Distributed OS
Advantages of Distributed Operating System
 Failure of one will not affect the other network communication, as all systems are
independent of each other.
 Electronic mail increases the data exchange speed.
 Since resources are being shared, computation is highly fast and durable.
 Load on host computer reduces.
 These systems are easily scalable as many systems can be easily added to the
network.
 Delay in data processing reduces.
Disadvantages of Distributed Operating System
 Failure of the main network will stop the entire communication.
 To establish distributed systems the language is used not well-defined yet.
 These types of systems are not readily available as they are very expensive. Not
only that the underlying software is highly complex and not understood well yet.
Examples of Distributed Operating Systems are LOCUS, etc.
Issues With Distributed Operating Systems
 Networking causes delays in the transfer of data between nodes of a distributed
system. Such delays may lead to an inconsistent view of data located in different
nodes, and make it difficult to know the chronological order in which events
occurred in the system.
 Control functions like scheduling, resource allocation, and deadlock detection have
to be performed in several nodes to achieve computation speedup and provide
reliable operation when computers or networking components fail.
 Messages exchanged by processes present in different nodes may travel over
public networks and pass through computer systems that are not controlled by the
distributed operating system. An intruder may exploit this feature to tamper with
messages, or create fake messages to fool the authentication procedure and
masquerade as a user of the system.

7. Network Operating System

These systems run on a server and provide the capability to manage data, users,
groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. These types of
operating systems allow shared access to files, printers, security, applications, and
other networking functions over a small private network. One more important aspect
of Network Operating Systems is that all the users are well aware of the underlying
configuration, of all other users within the network, their individual connections, etc.
and that’s why these computers are popularly known as tightly coupled systems.
 Network Operating System

Advantages of Network Operating System

 Highly stable centralized servers.
 Security concerns are handled through servers.
 New technologies and hardware up-gradation are easily integrated into the system.
 Server access is possible remotely from different locations and types of systems.
Disadvantages of Network Operating System
 Servers are costly.
 User has to depend on a central location for most operations.
 Maintenance and updates are required regularly.
Examples of Network Operating Systems are Microsoft Windows Server 2003,
Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, Novell NetWare, BSD,
etc.

8. Real-Time Operating System

These types of OSs serve real-time systems. The time interval required to process and
respond to inputs is very small. This time interval is called response time. Real-time
systems are used when there are time requirements that are very strict like missile
systems, air traffic control systems, robots, etc.
Types of Real-Time Operating Systems
 Hard Real-Time Systems: Hard Real-Time OSs are meant for applications where
time constraints are very strict and even the shortest possible delay is not
acceptable. These systems are built for saving life like automatic parachutes or
 airbags which are required to be readily available in case of an accident. Virtual
memory is rarely found in these systems.
 Soft Real-Time Systems: These OSs are for applications where time-constraint is
less strict.
For more, refer to the Difference Between Hard Real-Time OS and Soft Real-Time
OS.

Real-Time Operating System

Advantages of RTOS
 Maximum Consumption: Maximum utilization of devices and systems, thus
more output from all the resources.
 Task Shifting: The time assigned for shifting tasks in these systems is very less.
For example, in older systems, it takes about 10 microseconds in shifting from one
task to another, and in the latest systems, it takes 3 microseconds.
 Focus on Application: Focus on running applications and less importance on
applications that are in the queue.
 Real-time operating system in the embedded system: Since the size of programs
is small, RTOS can also be used in embedded systems like in transport and others.
 Error Free: These types of systems are error-free.
 Memory Allocation: Memory allocation is best managed in these types of
systems.
Disadvantages of RTOS
 Limited Tasks: Very few tasks run at the same time and their concentration is
very less on a few applications to avoid errors.
 Use heavy system resources: Sometimes the system resources are not so good
and they are expensive as well.
 Complex Algorithms: The algorithms are very complex and difficult for the
designer to write on.
 Device driver and interrupt signals: It needs specific device drivers and
interrupts signal to respond earliest to interrupts.
 Thread Priority: It is not good to set thread priority as these systems are very less
prone to switching tasks.
Examples of Real-Time Operating Systems are Scientific experiments, medical
imaging systems, industrial control systems, weapon systems, robots, air traffic
control systems, etc.
Conclusion
Operating systems come in various types, each used for specific needs. Whether it’s
managing large batches of jobs, enabling multiple users to work simultaneously,
coordinating networked computers, or ensuring timely execution in critical systems.
Understanding these types helps in choosing the right operating system for the right
job, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness.