Types of Operating Systems

Anshuman Singh
Senior Execut ive - Cont ent
Updated on Sep 6, 2024 16:10 IST
Have you ever wondered about the different types of operating systems?
From general-purpose systems that handle daily computing tasks to real-
time systems ensuring precise operations in critical environments, each
plays a vital role in our digital experiences. Let's understand more!

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
Various types of operating systems are used today depending on the device,
manufacturer, and user preferences, and it is essential to know about these if you
are working or wish to work in the field of IT. The operating system is used to run
different software on a computer.

All operating systems have one common goal- to manage and organize
the resources and processes of a computer. These resource managers
include processes, threads, files, devices, and networks. Operating systems evolved
in response to technological advances and changed over time as new hardware was
developed.

Funct ions of Operat ing Syst em

An o perating system (OS) is so ftware that manages co mputer so ftware and
hardware reso urces. Different o perating systems have different app sto res and
co uld have different applicatio ns in them, to o . This article...re ad m o re

Evolut ion of Operat ing Syst em

In this article, we will discuss the histo ry o f o perating systems, i.e., ho w
o perating systems are evo lved o ver years. The jo urney that started fro m back in
19 40 leveraging current digital...re ad m o re

In this article, you will get answers to questions like how many operating systems are
there and an explanation about them.

Table of content
What is an operating system?

Types of operating system

Multiprocessor operating system
Multi-programming operating system

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 Distributed operating system

Multitasking operating system

Time-sharing operating system

Client /server operating system

Batch operating system

What is an operating system?

An intermediary between a user and computer hardware, and

provides an environment needed for different programs to execute
effectively.

An operating system is system software that ensures users can control the
activities of both the software and hardware and use the computer’s resources.
Network operating systems are the software that allows several computers to
communicate and share files and hardware devices amongst themselves. The
operating system helps manage resources such as RAM, ROM, hard disks, etc. It
also allows users to perform directed tasks like arithmetic calculations, data
processing, etc. The OS allows users to perform tasks like data input, processing
operations, and output access. Examples of Operating systems include Microsoft
Windows,macOS, Linux, Unix, etc.

Also, explore Operating system interview questions

Types of operating system

Let’s see the types of operating systems one by one in detail :

1. Multiprocessor OS
A multiprocessor operating system is an operating system that uses multiple

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
processors to improve performance. This operating system is commonly found on
computers with more than one CPU. Multiprocessor systems improve system
performance by allowing the execution of tasks on multiple processors
simultaneously. Overall reduces the time it takes to complete specific tasks.

Advantages

It allows the system to run multiple programs simultaneously.

Benef icial f or tasks that need to use all of the processor’s

resources, such as games, scientif ic calculations, and f inancial
simulations.

Disadvantages

They require additional hardware, such as processors and memory,

making a system more expensive.

Real-t ime Operat ing Syst em

Real time o perating system is an impo rtant to pic fro m interview po int o f
view.This article includes real time o perating system types and their examples.It
also includes applicatio ns o f real time system....re ad m o re

2. Multi-programming OS
The operating system which can run multiple processes on a single processor is

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
called a multiprogramming operating system. There are different programs that want
to get executed. So these programs are kept in the ready queue. And are assigned
to the CPU one by one. If one process gets blocked then other processes from the
ready queue are assigned to the CPU. The aim of this is optimal resource utilization
and more CPU utilization. In the below figure, different processes are there in
RAM(main memory). Some processes are waiting for the CPU, and process 2(which
was previously executing) is now doing I/O operations. So CPU shifted to execute
process 1.

3. Distributed OS
A distributed operating system is an operating system that is designed to
operate on a network of computers. Distributed systems are usually used to
distribute software applications and data. Distributed systems are also used to
manage the resources of multiple computers. Users could be at different sites.
Multiple computers are connected via a single communication channel. Every system
has its own processor and memory. Resources like disk, computer, CPU, network
interface, nodes, etc., are shared among different computers at different locations.
It increases data availability in the entire system.

Advantages

It is more reliable as a f ailure of one system will not impact the other
computers or the overall system.
All computers work independently.

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 Resources are shared, so there is less cost overall.
The system works at a higher speed as resources are shared
The host system has less load.

Computers can be easily added to the system.

Disadvantages

Costly setup.
If the server f ails, then the whole system will f ail.
Complex sof tware is used f or such a system

Dif f erence Bet ween Paging And Segment at ion

The main difference between Paging and Segmentatio n is that Paging divides
memo ry into fixed-size blo cks called pages, while Segmentatio n divides
memo ry based o n data type o r functio n into variable-sized segments.

4. Multitasking OS
Multi-tasking operating systems are designed to enable multiple applications to run
simultaneously. Multi-tasking operating systems allow multiple users to work on the
same document or application simultaneously.

For example, a user running antivirus software, searching the internet, and playing a
song simultaneously. Then the user is using a multitasking OS.

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
 Dif f erence Bet ween Mult it asking and Mult it hreading in…
OS
Multitasking refers to running multiple tasks o r pro cesses co ncurrently o n a
co mputer, o ften invo lving separate pro grams o r applicatio ns. Multithreading, o n the o ther hand, invo lves
multiple threads within a single pro cess...re ad m o re

Process Management in Operat ing Syst em

Pro cess management in o perating systems invo lves the handling and
co o rdinating multiple pro cesses executed by the CPU. It includes tasks like
pro cess scheduling, creatio n, executio n, and terminatio n, ensuring efficient and
fair...re ad m o re

Operat ing Syst em Int erview Quest ions

In this article yo u will find impo rtant o perating system questio ns which are
likeable to be asked in interview.

Funct ions of Operat ing Syst em

An o perating system (OS) is so ftware that manages co mputer so ftware and
hardware reso urces. Different o perating systems have different app sto res and
co uld have different applicatio ns in them, to o . This article...re ad m o re

5. Time-sharing OS

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
5. Time-sharing OS
A time-sharing operating system is an application that provides a shared user
interface with multiple users logged in simultaneously. It allows multiple users to
access the same resources, such as files and applications, as long as they are
logged in simultaneously. This operating system type is most commonly used in
businesses, especially those that involve many simultaneous users. Time-sharing
operating systems enable users to finish their jobs on a system at once. The time-
sharing OS is the latest advancement in the computer science world; it is being
accepted worldwide, also at an increasing rate.

6. Client/server network OS
Client/server network operating systems are those networks that contain two types
of nodes: the servers and clients. The servers host the applications or services for
users while clients use these applications. In a client/server system, both the server
and client computers must have certain software installed to connect to each other
securely over a network connection.

Client-server networks are a type of computer network in which two or more

computer systems are linked through a telecommunications network. Clients are the
computers that use the network to access services provided by the server. Servers
are the computers that provide the services to the network. Client/server networks

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
are commonly used in business and government applications.

Advantages

Allows companies to scale their computing resources to handle

increased demand without having to buy new hardware.
Client-server systems can be quickly reconf igured to meet the
changing needs of an organization.
They are also more reliable and easier to maintain than dedicated
server systems.

Lower operating cost.

More reliable and easier to maintain than dedicated server systems

Disadvantages

These OS need more sophisticated management and networking

technologies, longer startup times, and increased vulnerability to
attack.

Less secure than dedicated server systems.

More challenging to scale than dedicated server systems.

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 Virt ual Memory wit h Real-lif e analogy
Yo ur co mputer wo uldn’t be able to do much witho ut virtual memo ry. This little-
kno wn feature o f yo ur o perating system makes it po ssible fo r yo u to o pen
multiple pro grams simultaneo usly, surf the...re ad m o re

Memory Hierarchy in Operat ing Syst em

Memo ry hierarchy helps in o rganizing the memo ry in a way that it can minimize
the access time. It is based o n a pro gram behavio r that is kno wn as lo cality
o f...re ad m o re

Working of Cache Memory in Comput er

This article is fo cussed o n cache memo ry and its different types.It also explains
the wo rking o f cache memo ry in co mputer.Cache memo ry in co mputer is a
small amo unt o f rando m-access memo ry...re ad m o re

7. Batch OS
There are different users, and each user prepares their work in a standalone device,
such as punchcards in batch operating systems and sends them to a computer
operator. The various systems split and distribute similar tasks in batches to
facilitate computing and faster responses. A single operator takes similar jobs with
similar needs and requirements and then groups them into various batches. Similar
kinds of jobs that share similar needs and requirements. These types of operating
systems are not used nowadays.

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
Advantages

The overall time the system takes to execute all the programs will be
reduced.
Less time to execute all programs.

These operating systems are shared between multiple users.

Suitable f or small-scale businesses.

It can work in of f line mode also.

It can give specif ic time to the computer, and when a computer is idle
can process the jobs.

Disadvantages

Sometimes, manual interventions are required between two batches.

The CPU utilization is low because the time taken in loading and
unloading batches is very high compared to execution time.

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o n 0 7-Sep-20 24.
 Sometimes, jobs enter into an inf inite loop due to some mistake.

Meanwhile, if one job takes too much time, other jobs must wait.
Thus, the diverse types of operating systems (OS) serve as the backbone of
computer technology, each catering to different requirements and user
preferences.

FAQs

What are the advantages of multiprocessor systems?

What is the operating system RAID structure?

What are the dif f erent operating systems?

How many types of operating system are there in total?

What dif f erentiates a Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) f rom a

General-Purpose Operating System (GPOS)?

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