Types of Operating System

1. Batch Operating System

In computing, a batch operating system (BOS) is a type of operating system that allows
multiple users to use it at the same time. It does not allow any direct communication between
users, meaning that each user must complete their tasks before passing control on to the next
user. This can be a bit frustrating for some users, but it also has its benefits. In this blog post,
we will discuss the meaning of the Batch Operating System and take a look at some of its pros
and cons!
What is a Batch Operating System?
A Batch Operating System (BOS) is a computer system that allows multiple users to use it,
without direct communication between them. It achieves this by keeping all users in separate
‘batches’, meaning they can’t interact with each other directly. This makes it ideal for
applications where users need to work on separate parts of a project, without getting in the way
of each other.
What are the benefits of the Batch Operating System?
One of the key benefits of a Batch Operating System is that it can handle multiple users
simultaneously. This makes it perfect for big projects with lots of separate tasks to be
completed. By keeping all users in their own batches, the BOS prevents any direct
communication between them – meaning no accidental interruptions or delays.
Another advantage of a Batch OS is that it can handle large files more efficiently than a standard
operating system. This is because the BOS breaks down all tasks into smaller, more manageable
chunks which can be processed one at a time. As a result, the overall speed of the computer is
improved and users don’t have to wait as long for their files to be processed.
Types of Batch Operating System:
There are different types of Batch Operating systems:
Simple Batched System: This type of batch operating system is the most basic and has no
direct communication between users.
Multiplexed Batch System: This type of batch operating system allows multiple users to use
it at the same time.
Time-Shared Batch System: This type of batch operating system shares the resources among
users, meaning that each user gets a specific amount of time to use the resources.
Advantages of Batch Operating System:
The advantages of the batch operating system are:
– There is no direct communication between users, meaning that there is no need for a dedicated
communication line.
– It is easy to use and does not require much maintenance.
– It is very efficient in terms of resource usage.
Disadvantages of Batch Operating System:
The disadvantages of the batch operating system are:
– It can be slow due to the fact that users need to wait for their turn to use the resources.
– It can be difficult to manage multiple users.
– If one user is not done with their work, it can hold up the entire system.
2. Multi-programmed Operating System:
On a single processor computer, a multiprogramming OS can run many programs. In a
multiprogramming OS, if one program must wait for an input/output transfer, the other
programmes are ready to use the CPU. As a result, different jobs may have to split CPU time.
However, their jobs are not scheduled to be completed at the same time.
When software is run, it is referred to as a “Task,” “Process,” or “Job.” When compared to
serial or batch processing systems, concurrent program executions reduce system resource
usage and increase throughput.
Multiprogramming’s main purpose is to manage all of the system’s resources. The file system,
transient area, command processor, and I/O control system are the main components of a
multiprogramming system. As a result, the multiprogramming OS is built to store many
programs based on sub-segmenting the transient area. The operating system’s essential
functions are tied to the resource management processes.
Multiprogramming Operating System Types
Multiprogramming operating systems are divided into two categories, and they are:
2.1.Multitasking Operating System
A multitasking OS allows two or more programmes to run simultaneously. This is
accomplished by the operating system transferring each program into or out of memory one by
one. When a program is switched out of the memory, it is saved on the disc temporarily until it
is needed again.
2.2. Multiuser Operating System
A multiuser operating system allows multiple users from various terminals to share the
processing time on a certain powerful central machine. The operating system achieves this by
frequently switching between terminals, each of which is allotted a certain amount of processor
time on a central computer. Because the operating system on each terminal changes so
frequently, each user appears to have constant access to the central computer. When a system
has a large number of users, the time it takes for the central computer to respond becomes more
apparent.
Multiprogramming Operating System Working
In the multiprogramming system, multiple users can complete their tasks at the same time, and
they can be saved in the main memory. While a programme is performing I/O operations, the
CPU may distribute time to other applications while in idle mode.
While one application waits for an I/O transfer, another is always ready to use the processor,
and multiple programmes may share CPU time. Although not all tasks are executed at the same
time, there may be multiple jobs operating on the processor at the same time, with parts of other
processes first being executed, followed by another segment, and so on. As a result, a
multiprogramming system’s overall purpose is to keep the CPU busy unless and until some
tasks in the job pool become available. As a result, a single processor computer may run
multiple programmes, and the CPU is never idle.
Multiprogramming Operating System Examples
Download software, transfer data, Google Chrome, MS-Excel, Firefox browser, and many
other apps are instances of multiprogramming operating systems. Other operating systems
include Windows, UNIX, and microcomputers like MP/M, XENIX, and DESQview.
Pros of Multiprogramming Operating System
The multiprogramming OS has a number of advantages. The following are some of them:
 It has a faster response time.
 It may be beneficial to run multiple jobs in a single application at the same time.
 It aids in the computer’s overall optimization of job throughput.
 The multiprogramming system can be used by multiple people at the same time.
 In comparison to long-term work, short-term jobs are completed swiftly.
 It may aid in reducing turnaround time for short-duration tasks.
 It contributes to higher CPU utilisation and is never idle.
 The resources are wisely allocated.
Cons of Multiprogramming Operating System
The multiprogramming OS has a number of drawbacks. The following are some of them:
 It’s quite complex and sophisticated.
 CPU scheduling is necessary.
 Since all types of tasks get stored in the main memory, memory management is required
in the operating system.
 The more difficult challenge is managing all procedures and tasks.
 Long-term jobs will demand a long wait if it has a high number of jobs.

3. Time Sharing Operating System:

Multi-programmed, batched systems provided an environment where various system resources
were used effectively, but it did not provide for user interaction with computer systems. Time
sharing is a logical extension of multiprogramming. The CPU performs many tasks by switches
are so frequent that the user can interact with each program while it is running. A time shared
operating system allows multiple users to share computers simultaneously. Each action or order
at a time the shared system becomes smaller, so only a little CPU time is required for each user.
As the system rapidly switches from one user to another, each user is given the impression that
the entire computer system is dedicated to its use, although it is being shared among multiple
users. A time shared operating system uses CPU scheduling and multi-programming to provide
each user with a small portion of a shared computer at once. Each user has at least one separate
program in memory. A program loaded into memory and executes, it performs a short period
of time either before completion or to complete I/O.This short period of time during which user
gets attention of CPU is known as time slice, time slot or quantum.It is typically of the order
of 10 to 100 milliseconds. Time shared operating systems are more complex than
multiprogrammed operating systems. In both, multiple jobs must be kept in memory
simultaneously, so the system must have memory management and security. To achieve a good
response time, jobs may have to swap in and out of disk from main memory which now serves
as a backing store for main memory. A common method to achieve this goal is virtual memory,
a technique that allows the execution of a job that may not be completely in memory.

In above figure the user 5 is active state but user 1, user 2, user 3, and user 4 are in waiting
state whereas user 6 is in ready state.
Active State – The user’s program is under the control of CPU. Only one program is available
in this state.
Ready State – The user program is ready to execute but it is waiting for it’s turn to get the CPU.
More than one user can be in ready state at a time.
Waiting State – The user’s program is waiting for some input/output operation. More than one
user can be in a waiting state at a time.
Requirements of Time Sharing Operating System: An alarm clock mechanism to send an
interrupt signal to the CPU after every time slice. Memory Protection mechanism to prevent
one job’s instructions and data from interfering with other jobs.
Advantages:
 Each task gets an equal opportunity.
 Less chances of duplication of software.
  CPU idle time can be reduced.
Disadvantages :
 Reliability problem.
 One must have to take of security and integrity of user programs and data.
 Data communication problem.
Parallel System:
Parallel operating systems are the interface between parallel computers (or computer systems)
and the applications (parallel or not) that are executed on them. They translate the hardware’s
capabilities into concepts usable by programming languages.
4. Real Time System:
A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an OS that guarantees real-time applications a certain
capability within a specified deadline. RTOSes are designed for critical systems and for devices
like microcontrollers that are timing-specific. RTOS processing time requirements are
measured in milliseconds. Any delays in responding could have disastrous consequences.
Real-time operating systems have similar functions as general-purpose OSes (GPOSes), like
Linux, Microsoft Windows or macOS, but are designed so that a scheduler in the OS can meet
specific deadlines for different tasks.
RTOSes also commonly appear in embedded systems, which are a combination of hardware
and software designed for a specific function and may also operate within a larger system.
Often, embedded systems are used in real-time environments and use a real-time operating
system to communicate with the hardware.
RTOSes are designed to handle multiple processes at one time, ensuring that these processes
respond to events within a predictable time limit. Processing in an RTOS occurs within defined
time constraints and monitors the priority of tasks. An RTOS is also able to make changes to
task priority. Systems that are event-driven often switch between tasks based on priority.
Some real-time operating systems are created for special applications, while others are more
general purpose. Usually, RTOSes provide the following functionality:
 multitasking, where tasks are rapidly switched between to give the impression that
multiple programs are executing concurrently;
 process thread prioritization; and
 a sufficient number of interrupt levels.
RTOSes are included in the following devices:
 air traffic control systems;
 anti-lock brakes and air bags;
 cameras;
 medical systems; and
 PCs.
Characteristics of a real-time operating system
Real-time operating systems generally have the following characteristics:
 Small footprint: Compared to general OSes, real-time operating systems are
lightweight.
 High performance: RTOSes are typically fast and responsive.
 Determinism. Repeating inputs end in the same output.
 Safety and security: Safety-critical and security standards are typically the highest
priority, as RTOSes are frequently used in critical systems.
 Priority-based scheduling: Tasks that are assigned a high priority are executed first
followed by lower-priority jobs.
 Timing information: RTOSes are responsible for timing and providing application
programming interface
How does an RTOS work?
RTOSes are subdivided into soft and hard real-time systems. A soft RTOS is designed to operate
within a few hundred milliseconds, while a hard RTOS is designed to provide predictable
response times within tens of milliseconds.
Soft real-time systems typically have larger file sizes compared to hard RTOSes. Some
executions act less predictably during peak load but are tolerated, as computations are rolled
back to previously established checkpoints if an error occurs. Soft RTOSes are normally used
in systems where time-based executions are less important, such as in PCs, cameras and
smartphones.
Hard RTOSes typically have small or medium-sized data files. They act predictably during
moments of peak loads, and computation is rolled back if an error occurs. Hard RTOSes are
normally used in systems that require important time-based executions, such as in airplane
sensors, autopilot systems or medical devices.
In hard real-time OSes, if the calculation cannot be performed to make an object available at
the designated time, the OS terminates with a failure. In a soft RTOS, the OS continues to
function, but certain tasks may be unproductive if they fail to execute at a given time.
RTOSes also act as a scheduler, in which tasks can be scheduled as ready to run, running or
blocked.
How a kernel works
A kernel interacts with the rest of the operating system, including the application layer and the
device layer, and with components such as the CPU and memory.
A kernel interacts with the rest of the operating system, including the application layer and the
device layer, and with components such as the CPU and memory.
They typically have a monolithic kernel and microkernel architecture. The OS kernel is the
core of an OS, which provides basic services for all other parts of the OS. Kernels are the main
layer between the OS and hardware.
Monolithic RTOS kernel and operation processes share one space. This architecture operates
quickly when compared to microkernel configurations and typically provides better
performance. Even though monolithic RTOSes run faster, they are harder to perform updates
on, and a programming error in the file system, protocol stack or driver can cause system
crashes.
The microkernel architecture houses the kernel and operations in separate locations. This
architecture is slower than monolithic RTOS, as any action must return to the kernel before it
can move to the component it references. The microkernel also lacks file systems.
Types of Real-Time Operating Systems
The Real-Time Operating System is of three types:
4.1. Hard Real-Time Operating system:
A hard real-time operating system is used when we need to complete tasks by a given deadline.
If the task is not completed on time then the system is considered to be failed.
For example, the pacemaker. A pacemaker has flexible, insulated wires (leads) that are placed
in one or more chambers of the heart. These wires deliver the electrical pulses to adjust the
heart rate. And these wires require a hard real-time operating system.
4.2. Soft Real-Time Operating System
A soft real-time operating system is used where few delays in time duration are acceptable.
That is if the given task is taking a few seconds more than the specified time then also no
critical damage takes place.
For example, telephone switches, the sending or receiving of the call can take some time. It
will not be considered a failure.
4.3. Firm Real-Time Operating System
A firm real-time operating system lies between the hard and soft real-time operating system. A
firm real-time system is one in which a few missed deadlines will not lead to total failure, but
missing more than a few may lead to complete or catastrophic system failure. However, unlike
a hard real-time task, even if a firm real-time task does not complete within its deadline, the
system doesn’t fail but the late results are merely discarded.
For example, in Video Conferencing, when a certain frame is being played, if some preceding
frame arrives at the receiver, then this frame is of no use and is discarded.
Applications of Real-time Operating System (RTOS)
 Some real-life applications of RTOS are:
 Systems that provide immediate updating.
 Used in any system that provides up-to-date and minute information on stock prices.
 Defense application systems like RADAR.
 Airlines reservation system.
 Command Control Systems.
 Air traffic control system.
 Networked Multimedia Systems.
 Internet Telephony.
 Heart Pacemaker.
 Anti-lock Brake Systems.

Advantages of Real-time Operating System

A few advantages of a Real-time operating system are:

 Easy to use: It is easy to develop and execute real-time applications in real-time

operating systems. Since it allows to break complex problems into multiple simple tasks
that are easy to define and process.
 Optimal Resource Utilization: Due to good resource management of RTOS system
by Kernel, the resources like devices and systems are utilized most efficiently.
 Less space requirement: The real-time systems are very compact thus they need very
less space.
 Used in Embedded System: Since the Real-time systems are compact in size they can
easily be used in the embedded systems.
 Error Free: The real-time systems are usually error-free since the RTOS error
manager, EM(), is called whenever an error is detected by an RTOS service or by the
RTOS itself.

Disadvantages of Real-time Operating System

A few disadvantages of a Real-time operating system are:

 Costly: The hardware requirements like device drivers are a bit expensive.
 Complex: The algorithms and programs used in real-time systems are complex.
 Limited Tasks: The tasks or programs that real-time systems can process at a given
time are limited.