Types of Operating Systems

Operating Systems can be categorized according to different criteria like whether an operating
system is for mobile devices (examples Android and iOS) or desktop (examples Windows and
Linux). In this article, we are going to classify based on functionalities an operating system
provides.

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

CPU is not used efficiently. When the current process is doing IO, CPU is free and could
be utilized by other processes waiting.
The other jobs will have to wait for an unknown time if any job fails.
In batch operating system, average response time increases as all processes are
processed one by one.

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

CPU is better utilized and overall performance of the system improves.
It helps in reducing the response time.

Multi-Tasking/Time-sharing Operating systems

It is a type of Multiprogramming system with every process running in round robin manner. 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.
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.

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 processes can be parallelized.
As it has several processors, so, if one processor fails, we can proceed with another
processor.

4. Multi User Operating Systems

These systems allow multiple users to be active at the same time. These system can be either
multiprocessor or single processor with interleaving.
Time-Sharing OS

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Mobile Operating Systems

These operating systems are mainly for mobile devices. Examples of such operating systems are
Android and iOS.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions on Types of Operating Systems –

FAQs

What is a batch operating system?

A batch operating system processes batches of jobs without user interaction. It collects
similar jobs, executes them without manual intervention, and is common in mainframe
environments for tasks like payroll processing.

What is a time-sharing operating system?

A time-sharing OS allows multiple users to use a computer system simultaneously by

dividing CPU time among multiple tasks or users. It provides efficient sharing of resources
and is typical in interactive computing environments.

What are embedded operating systems?

Embedded OSs are designed for specific hardware and tasks in embedded systems like
appliances, vehicles, and industrial machines. They are optimized for reliability, real-time
processing, and often have limited user interfaces.