Operating system types

An operating system is the single most important software when you run a computer, it is what takes care of pretty much everything on a computer system, while the majority of computers we see happen to be using one ‘type’ of operating system performing the same functions, operating systems can be branched into several different types as well. It’s been a while since I’ve shared a fairly technical post on Computer Realm so I guess today would be a good day for one.

• Batch Processing Operating System

In a batch processing operating system interaction between the user and processor is limited or there is no interaction at all during the execution of work. Data and programs that need to be processed are bundled and collected as a ‘batch’ and executed together.
Batch processing operating systems are ideal in situations where:
- There are large amounts of data to be processed.
- Similar data needs to be processed.
- Similar processing is involved when executing the data.
The system is capable of identifying times when the processor is idle at which time ‘batches’ maybe processed. Processing is all performed automatically without any user intervention.

• Real-time Operating System

A real-time operating system processes inputs simultaneously, fast enough to affect the next input or process. Real-time systems are usually used to control complex systems that require a lot

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of processing like machinery and industrial systems.

• Single User Operating System

A single user OS as the name suggests is designed for one user to effectively use a computer at a time.

• Multi-Tasking Operating System

In this type of OS several applications maybe simultaneously loaded and used in the memory. While the processor handles only one application at a particular time it is capable of switching between the applications effectively to apparently simultaneously execute each application. This type of operating system is seen everywhere today and is the most common type of OS, the Windows operating system would be an example.

• Multi-User Operating System

This type of OS allows multiple users to simultaneously use the system, while here as well, the processor splits its resources and handles one user at a time, the speed and efficiency at which it does this makes it apparent that users are simultaneously using the system, some network systems utilize this kind of operating system.

• Distributed Operating System

In a distributed system, software and data maybe distributed around the system, programs and files maybe stored on different storage devices which are located in different geographical locations and maybe accessed from different computer terminals.
While we are mostly accustomed to seeing multi-tasking and multi-user operating systems, the other operating systems are usually used in companies and firms to power special systems.