Explain the types of operating systems with examples.

Q. Explain the types of operating systems with examples.

Answer :-

There are different types of operating systems available today to cater to varied type of requirements. These are: Single user OS, Multi-user OS, Time sharing OS, Real time OS, Multiprocessing OS, Distributed OS etc.

• Single user operating system:- Single user operating system allows only one user to use the system resources at any particular time including the CPU.

For example:- DOS (disk operating system).

• Multi-tasking operating system:- In a multitasking operating system, several applications may be simultaneously loaded and used in the memory. While the processor handles only one application at a particular time is switches between the applications and simultaneously execute each application.

For example:- Windows operating system.

• Multi-user operating system:- This multi-user operating system allows multiple users to simultaneously use the system as the processor splits its resources and handles one user at a time.

For example:- UNIX.

• Real-time system:- Areal-time operating system processes inputs simultaneously, fast enough to effect the next input or process. Real-time systems are usually used to control complex systems that require a lot of processing like machinery and industrial systems.

For example:- Linux OS.

• Batch operating system:- In a batch processing operating system interaction between the user and the processor is limited or there is no interaction at all during the execution of work. Data and programs that need to be processed are bundled and collected as a ‘batch’ and executed together.

For example:- IBM OS/2.

• Distributed operating system:- In a distributed system, software and data may be distributed around the system, programs and files may be stored on different storage devices which are located in different geographical locations and may be accessed from different computer terminals.

For example:- Amoeba.

• Multi-threaded operating system:- An operating system is known as multi-threaded when several “tasks” (also known as processes) may be run at the same time.

For example:- Sun Solaris.