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Types of Operating System

Operating systems are there from the very first computer generation and
they keep evolving with time. In this chapter, we will discuss some of the
important types of operating systems which are most commonly used.

Batch operating system

The users of a batch operating system do not interact with the computer
directly. Each user prepares his job on an off-line device like punch cards and
submits it to the computer operator. To speed up processing, jobs with
similar needs are batched together and run as a group. The programmers
leave their programs with the operator and the operator then sorts the
programs with similar requirements into batches.

The problems with Batch Systems are as follows −

Lack of interaction between the user and the job.

CPU is often idle, because the speed of the mechanical I/O devices is
slower than the CPU.

Difficult to provide the desired priority.

Time-sharing operating systems

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Time-sharing is a technique which enables many people, located at various

terminals, to use a particular computer system at the same time. Time-
sharing or multitasking is a logical extension of multiprogramming.
Processor's time which is shared among multiple users simultaneously is
termed as time-sharing.

The main difference between Multiprogrammed Batch Systems and Time-

Sharing Systems is that in case of Multiprogrammed batch systems, the
objective is to maximize processor use, whereas in Time-Sharing Systems,
the objective is to minimize response time.

Multiple jobs are executed by the CPU by switching between them, but the
switches occur so frequently. Thus, the user can receive an immediate
response. For example, in a transaction processing, the processor executes
each user program in a short burst or quantum of computation. That is, if n
users are present, then each user can get a time quantum. When the user
submits the command, the response time is in few seconds at most.

The operating system uses CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to provide

each user with a small portion of a time. Computer systems that were
designed primarily as batch systems have been modified to time-sharing
systems.

Advantages of Timesharing operating systems are as follows −

Provides the advantage of quick response.

Avoids duplication of software.

Reduces CPU idle time.

Disadvantages of Time-sharing operating systems are as follows −

Problem of reliability.

Question of security and integrity of user programs and data.

Problem of data communication.

Distributed operating System

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Distributed systems use multiple central processors to serve multiple real-

time applications and multiple users. Data processing jobs are distributed
among the processors accordingly.

The processors communicate with one another through various

communication lines (such as high-speed buses or telephone lines). These
are referred as loosely coupled systems or distributed systems. Processors
in a distributed system may vary in size and function. These processors are
referred as sites, nodes, computers, and so on.

The advantages of distributed systems are as follows −

With resource sharing facility, a user at one site may be able to use
the resources available at another.

Speedup the exchange of data with one another via electronic mail.

If one site fails in a distributed system, the remaining sites can

potentially continue operating.

Better service to the customers.

Reduction of the load on the host computer.

Reduction of delays in data processing.

Network operating System

A Network Operating System runs on a server and provides the server the
capability to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other
networking functions. The primary purpose of the network operating system
is to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers in a
network, typically a local area network (LAN), a private network or to other
networks.

Examples of network operating systems include Microsoft Windows Server

2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, Novell
NetWare, and BSD.

The advantages of network operating systems are as follows −

Centralized servers are highly stable.

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Security is server managed.

Upgrades to new technologies and hardware can be easily integrated

into the system.

Remote access to servers is possible from different locations and

types of systems.

The disadvantages of network operating systems are as follows −

High cost of buying and running a server.

Dependency on a central location for most operations.

Regular maintenance and updates are required.

Real Time operating System

A real-time system is defined as a data processing system in which the time
interval required to process and respond to inputs is so small that it controls
the environment. The time taken by the system to respond to an input and
display of required updated information is termed as the response time. So
in this method, the response time is very less as compared to online
processing.

Real-time systems are used when there are rigid time requirements on the
operation of a processor or the flow of data and real-time systems can be
used as a control device in a dedicated application. A real-time operating
system must have well-defined, fixed time constraints, otherwise the system
will fail. For example, Scientific experiments, medical imaging systems,
industrial control systems, weapon systems, robots, air traffic control
systems, etc.

There are two types of real-time operating systems.

Hard real-time systems

Hard real-time systems guarantee that critical tasks complete on time. In

hard real-time systems, secondary storage is limited or missing and the data
is stored in ROM. In these systems, virtual memory is almost never found.

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Soft real-time systems

Soft real-time systems are less restrictive. A critical real-time task gets
priority over other tasks and retains the priority until it completes. Soft real-
time systems have limited utility than hard real-time systems. For example,
multimedia, virtual reality, Advanced Scientific Projects like undersea
exploration and planetary rovers, etc.

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