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Types of Operating Systems

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Pre-Requisite: What is an Operating System?

An Operating System performs all the basic tasks like managing files, processes,
and memory. Thus operating system acts as the manager of all the resources, i.e.
resource manager. Thus, the operating system becomes an interface between the
user and the machine. It is one of the most required software that is present in the
device.

Operating System is a type of software that works as an interface between the

system program and the hardware. There are several types of Operating Systems in
which many of which are mentioned below. Let’s have a look at them.

Types of Operating Systems

There are several types of Operating Systems which are mentioned below.
 Batch Operating System
Multi-Programming System
Multi-Processing System
Multi-Tasking Operating System
Time-Sharing Operating System
Distributed Operating System
Network Operating System
Real-Time Operating System

1. Batch Operating System

This type of operating system does not interact with the computer directly. There is
an operator which takes similar jobs having the same requirement and groups them
into batches. It is the responsibility of the operator to sort jobs with similar needs.

Batch Operating System

Advantages of Batch Operating System

It is very difficult to guess or know the time required for any job to complete.
Processors of the batch systems know how long the job would be when it is in
the queue.
Multiple users can share the batch systems.
The idle time for the batch system is very less.
It is easy to manage large work repeatedly in batch systems
 It is easy to manage large work repeatedly in batch systems.

Disadvantages of Batch Operating System

The computer operators should be well known with batch systems.

Batch systems are hard to debug.
It is sometimes costly.
The other jobs will have to wait for an unknown time if any job fails.

Examples of Batch Operating Systems: Payroll Systems, Bank Statements, etc.

2. Multi-Programming Operating System

Multiprogramming Operating Systems can be simply illustrated as more than one

program is present in the main memory and any one of them can be kept in
execution. This is basically used for better execution of resources.

MultiProgramming

Advantages of Multi-Programming Operating System

Multi Programming increases the Throughput of the System.

It helps in reducing the response time.

Disadvantages of Multi-Programming Operating System

There is not any facility for user interaction of system resources with the system.
3. Multi-Processing Operating System

Multi-Processing Operating System is a type of Operating System in which more

than one CPU is used for the execution of resources. It betters the throughput of the
System.

Multiprocessing

Advantages of Multi-Processing Operating System

It increases the throughput of the system.

As it has several processors, so, if one processor fails, we can proceed with
another processor.

Disadvantages of Multi-Processing Operating System

Due to the multiple CPU, it can be more complex and somehow difficult to
understand.

4. Multi-Tasking Operating System

Multitasking Operating System is simply a multiprogramming Operating System

with having facility of a Round-Robin Scheduling Algorithm. It can run multiple
programs simultaneously.

There are two types of Multi-Tasking Systems which are listed below.

Preemptive Multi-Tasking
C ti M lti T ki
 Cooperative Multi-Tasking

Multitasking

Advantages of Multi-Tasking Operating System

Multiple Programs can be executed simultaneously in Multi-Tasking Operating

System.
It comes with proper memory management.

Disadvantages of Multi-Tasking Operating System

The system gets heated in case of heavy programs multiple times.

5. Time-Sharing Operating Systems

Each task is given some time to execute so that all the tasks work smoothly. Each
user gets the time of the CPU as they use a single system. These systems are also
known as Multitasking Systems. The task can be from a single user or different
users also. The time that each task gets to execute is called quantum. After this
time interval is over OS switches over to the next task.
 Time-Sharing OS

Advantages of Time-Sharing OS

Each task gets an equal opportunity.

Fewer chances of duplication of software.
CPU idle time can be reduced.
Resource Sharing: Time-sharing systems allow multiple users to share hardware
resources such as the CPU, memory, and peripherals, reducing the cost of
hardware and increasing efficiency.
Improved Productivity: Time-sharing allows users to work concurrently, thereby
reducing the waiting time for their turn to use the computer. This increased
productivity translates to more work getting done in less time.
Improved User Experience: Time-sharing provides an interactive environment
that allows users to communicate with the computer in real time, providing a
better user experience than batch processing.

Disadvantages of Time-Sharing OS

Reliability problem.
One must have to take care of the security and integrity of user programs and
 One must have to take care of the security and integrity of user programs and
data.
Data communication problem.
High Overhead: Time-sharing systems have a higher overhead than other
operating systems due to the need for scheduling, context switching, and other
overheads that come with supporting multiple users.

Complexity: Time-sharing systems are complex and require advanced software

to manage multiple users simultaneously. This complexity increases the chance
of bugs and errors.
Security Risks: With multiple users sharing resources, the risk of security
breaches increases. Time-sharing systems require careful management of user
access, authentication, and authorization to ensure the security of data and
software.

Examples of Time-Sharing OS with explanation

IBM VM/CMS: IBM VM/CMS is a time-sharing operating system that was first
introduced in 1972. It is still in use today, providing a virtual machine
environment that allows multiple users to run their own instances of operating
systems and applications.
TSO (Time Sharing Option): TSO is a time-sharing operating system that was
first introduced in the 1960s by IBM for the IBM System/360 mainframe
computer. It allowed multiple users to access the same computer
simultaneously, running their own applications.
Windows Terminal Services: Windows Terminal Services is a time-sharing
operating system that allows multiple users to access a Windows server
remotely. Users can run their own applications and access shared resources,
such as printers and network storage, in real-time.

6. Distributed Operating System

These types of operating system is a recent advancement in the world of computer

technology and are being widely accepted all over the world and, that too, at a
great pace. Various autonomous interconnected computers communicate with each
other using a shared communication network. Independent systems possess their
own memory unit and CPU. These are referred to as loosely coupled systems or
distributed systems. These systems’ processors differ in size and function. The
major benefit of working with these types of the operating system is that it is
always possible that one user can access the files or software which are not
always possible that one user can access the files or software which are not
actually present on his system but some other system connected within this
network i.e., remote access is enabled within the devices connected in that
network.

Distributed OS

Advantages of Distributed Operating System

Failure of one will not affect the other network communication, as all systems
are independent of each other.
Electronic mail increases the data exchange speed.
Since resources are being shared, computation is highly fast and durable.
Load on host computer reduces.
These systems are easily scalable as many systems can be easily added to the
network.
Delay in data processing reduces.

Disadvantages of Distributed Operating System

Failure of the main network will stop the entire communication.

To establish distributed systems the language is used not well-defined yet.
These types of systems are not readily available as they are very expensive. Not
only that the underlying software is highly complex and not understood well yet.

Examples of Distributed Operating Systems are LOCUS, etc.

7. Network Operating System

These systems run on a server and provide the capability to manage data, users,
groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. These types of
operating systems allow shared access to files, printers, security, applications, and
other networking functions over a small private network. One more important
aspect of Network Operating Systems is that all the users are well aware of the
underlying configuration, of all other users within the network, their individual

connections, etc. and that’s why these computers are popularly known as tightly
coupled systems.

Network Operating System

Advantages of Network Operating System

Highly stable centralized servers.

Security concerns are handled through servers.
New technologies and hardware up-gradation are easily integrated into the
system.
Server access is possible remotely from different locations and types of systems.

Disadvantages of Network Operating System

Servers are costly.

 User has to depend on a central location for most operations.
Maintenance and updates are required regularly.

Examples of Network Operating Systems are Microsoft Windows Server 2003,

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

etc.

8. Real-Time Operating System

These types of OSs serve real-time systems. The time interval required to process
and respond to inputs is very small. This time interval is called response time.
Real-time systems are used when there are time requirements that are very strict
like missile systems, air traffic control systems, robots, etc.

Types of Real-Time Operating Systems

Hard Real-Time Systems:

Hard Real-Time OSs are meant for applications where time constraints are very
strict and even the shortest possible delay is not acceptable. These systems are
built for saving life like automatic parachutes or airbags which are required to be
readily available in case of an accident. Virtual memory is rarely found in these
systems.
Soft Real-Time Systems:
These OSs are for applications where time-constraint is less strict.

For more, refer to the Difference Between Hard Real-Time OS and Soft Real-Time
OS.
 Real-Time Operating System

Advantages of RTOS

Maximum Consumption: Maximum utilization of devices and systems, thus more

output from all the resources.
Task Shifting: The time assigned for shifting tasks in these systems is very less.
For example, in older systems, it takes about 10 microseconds in shifting from
one task to another, and in the latest systems, it takes 3 microseconds.
Focus on Application: Focus on running applications and less importance on
applications that are in the queue.
Real-time operating system in the embedded system: Since the size of
programs is small, RTOS can also be used in embedded systems like in transport
and others.
Error Free: These types of systems are error-free.
Memory Allocation: Memory allocation is best managed in these types of
systems.

Disadvantages of RTOS

Limited Tasks: Very few tasks run at the same time and their concentration is
very less on a few applications to avoid errors.
Use heavy system resources: Sometimes the system resources are not so good
and they are expensive as well.
Complex Algorithms: The algorithms are very complex and difficult for the
designer to write on.
Device driver and interrupt signals: It needs specific device drivers and
interrupts signal to respond earliest to interrupts.
Thread Priority: It is not good to set thread priority as these systems are very
less prone to switching tasks.

Examples of Real-Time Operating Systems are Scientific experiments, medical

imaging systems, industrial control systems, weapon systems, robots, air traffic
control systems, etc.
Last Updated : 17 May, 2023 742

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Article Contributed By :
akash1295
A akash1295