Operating System

WHAT IS OPERATING SYSTEM

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An operating system (OS) manages all other applications and programs in a
computer, and it is loaded into the computer by a boot program. It enables
applications to interact with a computer’s hardware. Through a designated
application programme interface, the application programmes request services
from the operating system (API). The kernel is the software that contains the
operating system’s core components. To run other programmes, every computer
has to have at least one operating system installed.
Diagram of OS
 Types of Operating System

There are several different types of operating systems present. In this section,
we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these types of OS.

 Batch OS
 Distributed OS
 Multitasking OS
 Network OS
 Real-OS
 Mobile OS
 1.Batch OS

Batch OS is the first operating system for second-

generation computers. This OS does not directly interact

with the computer. Instead, an operator takes up similar
jobs and groups them together into a batch, and then these
batches are executed one by one based on the first-come,
first, serve principle.
 Advantages and Disadvantages of Batch OS

Advantages:-
 Execution time taken for similar jobs is higher.
 Multiple users can share batch systems.
 Managing large works becomes easy in batch systems.
 The idle time for a single batch is very less.

Disadvantages:-
 It is hard to debug batch systems.
 If a job fails, then the other jobs have to wait for an unknown time till the issue is
resolved.
 Batch systems are sometimes costly.

Examples of Batch OS: payroll system, bank statements, data entry, etc.
 2. Distributed OS

 A distributed OS is a recent advancement in the field of computer technology and is

utilized all over the world that too with great pace. In a distributed OS, various
computers are connected through a single communication channel. These independent
computers have their memory unit and CPU and are known as loosely coupled systems.
The system processes can be of different sizes and can perform different functions. The
major benefit of such a type of operating system is that a user can access files that are
not present on his system but in another connected system. In addition, remote access
is available to the systems connected to this network.
 Advantages and Disadvantages of Distributed OS

Advantages:-
 Failure of one system will not affect the other systems because all the computers are
independent of each other.
 The load on the host system is reduced.
 The size of the network is easily scalable as many computers can be added to the
network.

Disadvantages:-
 The setup cost is high.
 Software used for such systems is highly complex.
 Failure of the main network will lead to the failure of the whole system.

Examples of Distributed OS: LOCUS, etc.

 3. Multitasking OS

 The multitasking OS is also known as the time-sharing operating system as each task is

given some time so that all the tasks work efficiently. This system provides access to a
large number of users, and each user gets the time of CPU as they get in a single
system. The tasks performed are given by a single user or by different users. The time
allotted to execute one task is called a quantum, and as soon as the time to execute one
task is completed, the system switches over to another task.
 Advantages and Disadvantages of Multitasking OS

Advantages:-
 Each task gets equal time for execution.
 The idle time for the CPU will be the lowest.
 There are very few chances for the duplication of the software.

Disadvantages:-
 Processes with higher priority cannot be executed first as equal priority is given to each
process or task.
 Various user data is needed to be taken care of from unauthorized access.
 Sometimes there is a data communication problem.

Examples of Multitasking OS: UNIX, etc.

 4. Network OS

 Network operating systems are the systems that run on a server and manage all the

networking functions. They allow sharing of various files, applications, printers,

security, and other networking functions over a small network of computers like LAN
or any other private network. In the network OS, all the users are aware of the
configurations of every other user within the network, which is why network operating
systems are also known as tightly coupled systems.
 Advantages and Disadvantages of Network OS

Advantages:-
 New technologies and hardware can easily upgrade the systems.
 Security of the system is managed over servers.
 Servers can be accessed remotely from different locations and systems.
 The centralized servers are stable.

Disadvantages:-
 Server costs are high.
 Regular updates and maintenance are required.
 Users are dependent on the central location for the maximum number of operations.

Examples of Network OS: Microsoft Windows server 2008, LINUX, etc.

 5. Real-Time OS

 Real-Time operating systems serve real-time systems. These operating systems are
useful when many events occur in a short time or within certain deadlines, such as real-
time simulations.
Types of the real-time OS are:
Hard real-time OS
 The hard real-time OS is the operating system for mainly the applications in which the
slightest delay is also unacceptable. The time constraints of such applications are very
strict. Such systems are built for life-saving equipment like parachutes and airbags,
which immediately need to be in action if an accident happens.
Soft real-time OS
 The soft real-time OS is the operating system for applications where time constraint is
not very strict.
 In a soft real-time system, an important task is prioritized over less important tasks, and
this priority remains active until the completion of the task. Furthermore, a time limit is
always set for a specific job, enabling short time delays for future tasks, which is
acceptable. For Example, virtual reality, reservation systems, etc.