An Operating System is system software that performs all the basic tasks like process
management, file management, memory management, handling input and output and
controlling peripheral devices.
The most widely used types of operating systems include: Batch operating system, Network operating system, Distributed operating system, Multiprogramming batch system, Multiprocessor system, Time-sharing operating system, and Real-time
operating system.
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| The most popular operating system in the world |
What is an Operating System and What are Different Types of Operating Systems?
What is an Operating System (OS)?
An
Operating System (OS) is an interface between a user and the hardware.
The operating system is defined as a set of basic programs that manage the
computer, organize all its tasks and make it easier for the user to take
advantage of the equipment and accessories that make up the device.
The operating system can also be defined as the main program of any computer that
is responsible for operating the device and running the rest of the programs
properly.
The operating system enables the user to benefit from different application programs such as
word processing program or computational business programs.
When
the computer is turned on, the device copies the operating system files from
the hard drive to memory, so that the CPU can execute the device commands
without having to know the details of the processes inside the computer.
The operating system requires programmers at the highest level to write, develop,
maintain, these programs are called system programming languages.
What are the Most Widely Used Types of
Operating Systems?
Since
the first operating system was created, the operating system has developed over
time to accommodate the most sophisticated functions.
Let's
have a look at some of the most common types of operating systems used today.
Batch operating system
In
a batch operating system, the user will prepare the work and assign it to a
computer operator as a punch card device.
The
computer operator then sets up a group of jobs according to
their computing needs and implements them in batches to make sure
faster-processing speed.
This
is most suitable for those programs which require long calculation time without
user's participation such as statistical analysis of large part of the data.
Network operating system
The
network operating system runs on a server and allows access to computing
resources to share files and printers between computers in the network and
provides more stability and security of the system.
Users,
data, applications, and security are managed on the server.
Distributed Operating
System
The specific feature of the distributed operating system is that it has many
central processors that are used by many users to run many real-time
applications.
The distributed operating system also ensures that there are some floaty loads on
the host machine while doing some heavy calculations.
This
property has dramatically increased data exchange between sites and enabled the
sharing of resources.
Multiprogramming Operating
System
A
multiprogramming operating system is an operating system that enables the
software to run many programs on the computer at the same time.
The main purpose of multiprogramming operating systems is to improve system
throughput and resource usage.
This purpose is achieved by arranging the computing functions in a way that ensures
that the CPU always works to implement them at any one time.
Time-Sharing Operating
System
A time-sharing operating system is a special type of multiprogramming operating system that is designed to accommodate many users and allows multiple computer programs
to be run concurrently.
It
means that multiple users can access the same computer resources at the same
time and they will not need to wait to use these resources.
Real-Time Operating Systems
In
a real-time operating system, it is important that the inputs are obtained and
processed in a very short period of time.
As
a result, the operating system will have to guarantee that the events will be
processed at a fixed time.
There
are two types of real-time operating systems: Hard real-time operating system
and Soft real-time operating system.
Some
of these systems may allow multitasking features, but with specific features
and special algorithms for scheduling to ensure that the shifting of the tasks
is done according to their priorities so that the deadline for each task is
completed.
Types of an operating system in terms of the number of programs
Multi-Tasking: Here the user is allowed to handle more than one
program at the same time.
Single-Tasking: This system does not allow the user to run more
than one program at the same time.
Types of operating systems
in terms of the number of users
Multi-User software: A system that enables the software to be run on a
computer by more than one user at the same time.
Single-User software: A system that does not allow more than one user
to run software on the computer at the same time.
What is the Most Popular Operating System in
the World?
What is the Most Popular Operating System in
the World?
The most
common operating systems in the world include:
- Windows Operating System (Windows OS).
- Chrome Operating System (Chrome OS).
- Google's Android Operating System (Android OS).
- Apple iPhone Operating System (iOS).
- Macintosh operating system (macOS).
- Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS).
- Linux Operating System.
- Unix Operating System.
- Ubuntu Operating System.
- Haiku Operating System.
- Menuet Operating System.
- eComStation Operating System.
- Tails Operating System.