Module 1:Lesson 2: 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.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.

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
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.

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 .

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.

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.