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Expanded Types of OS and Architectures

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7 views5 pages

Expanded Types of OS and Architectures

Uploaded by

samidaudzai786
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Types of Operating Systems and OS

Architectures
Types of Operating Systems

1. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)


Real-Time Operating Systems are used in environments where time constraints are strict,
and timely task execution is critical.

• Hard Real-Time OS: These systems guarantee that critical tasks will be completed
within a specified time limit. They are used in safety-critical systems such as pacemakers,
aircraft control systems, and industrial robots.

• Soft Real-Time OS: These can tolerate some amount of deadline misses. They are used
in applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and VoIP.

Key Features:
- Deterministic response time
- Task prioritization
- Minimal interrupt latency

2. Single-User Operating Systems


These systems support one user at a time. Although they may allow multitasking, only
one user session is active.

Examples: Windows 10/11, macOS, Android, iOS

Key Features:
- Personal use
- Dedicated resources
- Simplified security model

3. Multi-User Operating Systems


These systems allow multiple users to use the system simultaneously or at different times.
Resources are managed efficiently among all users.

Types:
• Distributed OS: Resources and tasks are distributed over multiple systems that
communicate through a network.
• Time-Sliced OS: Uses time-quantum scheduling to serve multiple users.
• Multiprocessor OS: Employs multiple CPUs for concurrent task execution.

Examples: UNIX, Linux, Solaris

4. Multitasking Operating Systems


Multitasking OS allows execution of multiple processes at the same time, enhancing
efficiency and system utilization.

Types:
• Preemptive Multitasking: OS can interrupt tasks to assign CPU to another process.
• Non-Preemptive Multitasking: Tasks voluntarily release the CPU.

Key Features:
- Context switching
- Thread management
- Efficient CPU utilization

5. Multiprocessing Operating Systems


These systems use two or more processors for faster processing and improved reliability.

Types:
- Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): Equal access to memory and resources.
- Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP): Master-slave CPU configuration.
- Massively Parallel Processing (MPP): Large number of independent processors working
together.
Types of OS Architectures

1. Simple Architecture
This architecture consists of basic and flat structure without much modularity. All
functionality is tightly coupled.

Example: MS-DOS

Advantages:
- Simple to develop and implement
- Low overhead, hence better performance

Disadvantages:
- Difficult to maintain
- System crashes frequently due to tight coupling

2. Monolithic Architecture
All services run in a single kernel space. This architecture is fast and direct but lacks
modularity.

Example: Traditional UNIX

Advantages:
- High performance
- All components can communicate directly

Disadvantages:
- A single bug can crash the entire system
- Difficult to update or modify

3. Microkernel Architecture
Only essential services are part of the kernel. Other services run in user mode to increase
system stability.

Example: MINIX, QNX

Advantages:
- Fault isolation
- More secure and maintainable
Disadvantages:
- Complex design and communication overhead
4. Layered Architecture
Organizes OS into a hierarchy of layers, each built on the one below it. Lower layers
serve higher ones.

Advantages:
- Better maintainability and modularity
- Easy testing and debugging

Disadvantages:
- Requires careful planning
- Slower due to restricted access paths

5. Modular Architecture
The core kernel provides minimal services, and other functionalities are added as
loadable modules.

Example: Solaris

Advantages:
- Dynamic loading/unloading of features
- Easier to upgrade and maintain

Disadvantages:
- Increased complexity compared to monolithic systems

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