OPERATING SYSTEM TYPES

Operating systems are there from the very first computer generation and they keep
evolving with time. Below are 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.
Process is as follows:
– Users/programmers put jobs on cards.
– Jobs with similar needs/requirements are sorted out into batches or batched
together by operator.
– All cards read onto an (input) tape.
– Operator carries input tape to computer.
– With the aid of a special program, OS reads first job in batch and runs it
– Results/Output are written to a s ec o nd output tape.
– After each job in batch finishes, the OS automatically reads the next job from
tape, runs and writes it to second (output) tape.
– When whole batch is done, operator removes input and output tapes, replaces
input tape with next batch and takes the output tape for offline printing.
– With this type of OS, the user does not have direct access to machine.

Advantages:

 Move much of the work of the operator to the computer.

 Increased performance since it was possible for job to start as soon as the
previous job finished.

Disadvantages 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.
  Large Turnaround time.
 Due to lack of protection scheme one batch job can affect pending jobs.

Time Sharing Operating Systems

 Time Sharing is a logical extension of multiprogramming.

 Multiple jobs are executed simultaneously by switching the CPU back and forth
among them.
 The switching occurs so frequently (speedy) that the users cannot identify the
presence of other users or programs. 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.
 Users can interact with their programs while it is running in timesharing mode.
 Processor’s time is shared among multiple users simultaneously. An interactive
or hands on computer system provides online communication between the user
and the system.
 A time shared operating system uses CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to
provide each user with a small portion of a time shared computer. Each user has
at least one separate program in memory.
 A time shared operating system allows many users to share computer
simultaneously. Since each action or command in a time shared system tends to
be short, only a little CPU time is needed for each user.
 Computer systems that were designed primarily as batch systems have been
modified to time-sharing systems.
 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.

Advantages:-

 Easy to use
 User friendly
 Quick response time
 Avoids duplication of software.
 Reduced CPU idle time.
Disadvantages:-

 If any problem affects the OS, you may lose all the contents which have stored
already.
 Unwanted user can use your own system in case if proper security options are
not available.
 Problem of reliability.
 Question of security and integrity of user programs and data.
 Problem of data communication.

Distributed operating Systems

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 Systems

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.

 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 Systems

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.

It is often used as a control device in a dedicated application. Systems that control

scientific experiments, medical imaging systems (CT-Scan, MRI Scan, etc.), robots,
and industrial control system are real time systems. These applications also include
some home appliance system, weapon systems, and automobile engine fuel
injection systems.

There are two types of real-time operating systems, Hard real-time systems and Soft
real-time 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.

Many of these are found in industrial process control, avionics, and military and
similar application areas.

The goal is that all delays in the system must be restricted.

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. In soft real-time system, missing an
occasional deadline, while not desirable, is acceptable and does not cause any
permanent damage.

Examples include digital audio, multimedia, virtual reality, advanced scientific

projects like undersea exploration and planetary rovers, etc.

An example of real time OS is e-Cos.