Types of Operating Systems

Operating Systems can be categorized according to different criteria

like whether an operating system is for mobile devices (examples
Android and iOS) or desktop (examples Windows and Linux).
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
requirements and groups them into batches.

It is the responsibility of the operator to sort jobs with similar needs.

Batch Operating System is designed to manage and execute a large

number of jobs efficiently by processing them in groups.
 Types of Operating Systems
Batch Operating System
 Types of Operating Systems
Advantages of Batch Operating System
 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.
Disadvantages of Batch Operating System
 CPU is not used efficiently. When the current process is doing IO,
CPU is free and could be utilized by other processes waiting.
 The other jobs will have to wait for an unknown time if any job fails.
 In batch operating system, average response time increases as all
processes are processed one by one.
 Types of Operating Systems
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
utilization of resources.
Advantages of Multi-
Programming Operating
System

 CPU is better utilized and

overall performance of the
system improves.
 It helps in reducing the
response time.
 Types of Operating Systems
Multi-Tasking/Time-sharing Operating systems
It is a type of Multiprogramming system with every process running in
round robin manner. 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.
 Types of Operating Systems
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
 Types of Operating Systems
Disadvantages of Time-Sharing OS
 Reliability problem.
 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
 Types of Operating Systems
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.
Advantages of Multi-
Processing Operating
System
 It increases the throughput
of the system as processes
can be parallelized.
 As it has several
processors, so, if one
processor fails, we can
 Types of Operating Systems
Multi User Operating Systems
These systems allow multiple users to be active at the same time.
These system can be either multiprocessor or single processor with
interleaving.
 Types of Operating Systems
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 actually present on his system but some
other system connected within this network.
 Types of Operating Systems
Distributed Operating System
 Types of Operating Systems
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.
 Types of Operating Systems
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.
 Types of Operating Systems
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.
 Types of Operating Systems
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.
 Types of Operating Systems
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.
 Types of Operating Systems
Hard real time system is a system whose operation is incorrect
whose result is not produced according to time constraint. In hard real-
time systems, timing constraints are extremely strict and failure to
meet a deadline can have serious consequences, such as human injury
or equipment damage. These systems typically require deterministic
and predictable behavior, with a guaranteed response time for critical
tasks. Examples include medical equipment, military defense systems,
and industrial control systems.
Advantages of Hard Real-Time Systems
 Guaranteed Response Time: Through this the system will always
respond within the stipulated time and hence is predictable.
 Suitable for Critical Applications: Applied in applications such as
medical devices or aerospace applications where failure cannot be
 Types of Operating Systems
Disadvantages of Hard Real-Time Systems
 Complex Design: The stringent requirements which are
characteristic of these systems make their design and
implementation very difficult.
 High Cost: As a rule, it calls for the use of special equipment and
software, which is costly to adopt.
Examples of Hard Real-Time Systems
1. Medical Equipment (e.g., Pacemakers, ICU Monitors)
A pacemaker regulates a patient's heartbeat. If it fails to send electrical
signals on time, the patient could suffer serious health issues or even
death.
2. Military Defense Systems (e.g., Missile Defense Systems, Radar
Systems)
 Types of Operating Systems
Examples of Hard Real-Time Systems
3. Industrial Control Systems (e.g., Nuclear Power Plant
Control, Robotics in Manufacturing)
A nuclear reactor control system must regulate temperature and
pressure precisely. If it fails to take corrective actions within the
required time, it may cause a reactor meltdown.
4. Automotive Systems (e.g., Airbag Deployment, Anti-lock
Braking System - ABS)
In an accident, an airbag must deploy within milliseconds of impact.
A late response makes it ineffective, risking severe injury or death.
 Types of Operating Systems
Illustration
Let’s consider an anti-lock braking system (ABS) in a car.
Scenario 1: (Correct behavior - Meeting timing constraints)
 The ABS system detects wheel lock-up and responds within 5
milliseconds to prevent skidding.
 The car safely stops, preventing an accident.
Scenario 2: (Incorrect behavior - Missing timing constraints)
 The ABS system detects wheel lock-up but responds after 100
milliseconds due to system delay.
 By the time braking is applied, the car has already skidded,
potentially causing a crash.
Thus, hard real-time systems must always meet their timing deadlines
to function correctly and safely.
 Types of Operating Systems
Soft Real Time System
A Soft Real-Time System is a variant of real-time system where timely
processing is desirable but late processing do not cause the system to
fail or can cause dramatic loss of life and property. However, failing to
meet the time expectation, lead to a decline of service delivery or
limited quality output. These systems are often employed in application
scenarios where even though timeliness is valuable it is not considered
a strict requirement, for instance multimedia streaming applications,
online games and data that while processing of which even though they
may cause disruptions they do not affect the system criticality of an
application. In soft real-time systems, it of no essence to be completely
accurate with the heaviest emphasis on flexibility.
 Types of Operating Systems
Advantages of Soft Real-Time Systems
 Flexible Timing: The delay on the system has showed that the
interruption of the frame rate does not affect the gameplay very
severely.
 Easier to Implement: It is slightly less complex than hard real-time
systems and as a result easier and cheaper to design and implement.
 Cost-Effective: It is ideal for low risk projects where the use of
expensive hardware is avoidable.
Disadvantages of Soft Real-Time Systems
 Inconsistent Performance: This means that the operation of the
system may at times be slow particularly when there is a high traffic
of users.
 Not Suitable for Critical Applications: Not suitable for safety-
 Types of Operating Systems
Difference Between Hard Real Time and Soft Real Time System
Hard Real Time System Soft Real Time System
In hard real time system, the size of data file is small
or medium. In soft real time system, the size of data file is large.

In this system response time is in millisecond. In this system response time are higher.
Peak load performance should be predictable. In soft real time system, peak load can be tolerated.
In this system safety is critical. In this system safety is not critical.
A hard real time system is very restrictive. A Soft real time system is less restrictive.
In case of an error in a hard real time system, the In case of an soft real time system, computation is
computation is rolled back. rolled back to previously established a checkpoint.

Satellite launch, Railway signaling system etc. DVD player, telephone switches, electronic games etc.

Does not guarantee response within a specific

Guarantees response within a specific deadline.
deadline.
 Types of Operating Systems
Difference Between Hard Real Time and Soft Real Time System
Hard Real Time System Soft Real Time System

Catastrophic or severe consequences (e.g., loss of life Minor consequences (e.g., degraded performance or
or property damage). reduced quality).

Focused on processing critical tasks with high priority. Focused on processing tasks with lower priority.

Highly predictable, with well-defined and deterministic Less predictable, with behavior that may vary
behavior. depending on system load or conditions.
 Types of Operating Systems
Mobile Operating Systems
Mobile ope­rating systems (Mobile OS) manage mobile­ gadgets like
phones and table­ts. These systems run apps. The­y are not like desktops
as mobile­s have different ne­eds. An operating syste­m (OS) for mobile
devices manage­s the basic functions. It runs apps, controls memory, and
connects to ne­tworks. These systems provide­an easy-to-use interface­.
Key Features of Mobile Operating system:
User Interface (UI): Touch inputs of Graphical User Interface (GUI)
provided by mobile OS are optimized. This is where users can use touch
gestures, in other words, swiping, tapping, and pinching, to interact with
their gadgets.
Multitasking: It helps in running of many apps at the same time but
what is more we can quickly switch between them without any hindrance.
 Types of Operating Systems
Key Features of Mobile Operating system:
Connectivity: It provides a variety of connections such as cellular, Wi-Fi,
Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication) and others to facilitate the
communication of the device with other devices and networks.
Application Management: Is a platform that has its own app
marketplace or store which the users utilize to browse, install, run and
updates the applications exclusively for that platform.
Resource Management: Efficiently allocates hardware resources like
the CPU ,RAM , and battery by achieving a balance between performance
and battery life.
 Types of Operating Systems
Types of Mobile Operating System
The mobile­ world has seen many operating syste­ms. Some are big and
powerful. Othe­rs are small and niche. Here­ are the main types of mobile­
OS :
Android: Made by Google­, Android is the most used mobile OS
worldwide­. It's an open-source system built on Linux code­. Android is
made mostly for touchscreen phone­s and tablets. Being open allows
companie­s to customize Android for their gadgets. That le­ads to many
different Android device­s.
Apple Inc. cre­ated iOS, the operating syste­m for iPhone, iPad, and iPod
Touch. Its smooth interface and tight Apple­ ecosystem integration are­
hallmarks. However, Apple's total control ove­r hardware and software
limits customization options, unlike Android's ope­n platform.
 Types of Operating Systems
Huawei develope­d HarmonyOS (Hongmeng OS in China): work
across diverse de­vices like smartphones, laptops, smart home gadgets.
KaiOS is a basic mobile OS: It powe­rs basic phones without
touchscreens. KaiOS is base­d on discontinued Firefox OS. KaiOS supports
4G, GPS, and apps like Face­book and WhatsApp. It offers strong
capabilities for non-smartphone mobile­devices.
Tizen: It is a Linux-based mobile­ OS developed by Samsung. It was cre­
ated with Intel and the Tize­n Association. Tizen powers various Samsung
products.

Smartphones have­ different operating syste­ms. Android and iOS are the
biggest. But othe­rs exist for different use­rs. Operating systems cater to
dive­rse needs. The­y have pros, cons, and target markets.
 Types of Operating Systems
Embedded Operating Systems
Embedded systems are specialized computing systems designed to
perform dedicated functions or tasks within larger mechanical or
electrical systems. Unlike general-purpose computers, embedded
systems are typically designed with specific requirements and constraints
in mind, including real-time performance, limited power consumption, and
specific form factors. They are integral to many modern technologies,
providing essential functionality and control in various applications.
Key Characteristics of Embedded Systems in System Design:
Dedicated Functionality: Embedded systems are tailored to perform
specific tasks or functions, often with high efficiency and reliability. This
contrasts with general-purpose systems that can run a wide range of
applications.
 Types of Operating Systems
Real-Time Operation: Many embedded systems operate in real-time,
meaning they must process inputs and produce outputs within strict
timing constraints. This is crucial for applications like automotive control
systems, medical devices, and industrial automation.
Resource Constraints: Embedded systems often operate under
stringent resource constraints, including limited processing power,
memory, and energy consumption. Design choices must optimize these
resources to meet the application’s requirements.
Integration and Miniaturization: Embedded systems are typically
integrated into larger systems, often requiring compact and efficient
designs. This necessitates careful consideration of physical form factors
and integration with other system components.
 Types of Operating Systems
Reliability and Robustness: High reliability and robustness are critical,
especially in applications where failure can lead to significant
consequences, such as in aerospace, healthcare, and automotive
systems.
Specialized Hardware and Software: The hardware and software in
embedded systems are often highly specialized, tailored to the specific
needs of the application. This can include custom microcontrollers, real-
time operating systems (RTOS), and application-specific integrated
circuits (ASICs).
 Types of Operating Systems
Advantages of Embedded System
1.High Efficiency and Performance:
Optimization: Embedded systems are specifically designed to
perform dedicated tasks, allowing for high levels of optimization in
both software and hardware. This leads to increased efficiency and
performance compared to general-purpose systems.
Real-Time Processing: Many embedded systems are designed to
handle real-time tasks, ensuring that they can process inputs and
produce outputs within strict timing constraints.
 Types of Operating Systems
Advantages of Embedded System
2.Low Power Consumption:
Energy Efficiency: Embedded systems are often designed with power
efficiency in mind, making them ideal for battery-powered devices and
applications where energy consumption is a critical concern.
Longer Battery Life: In portable devices, optimized power usage
results in longer battery life, which is crucial for user satisfaction and
device usability.
 Types of Operating Systems
Advantages of Embedded System
3.Compact Size:
Miniaturization: Embedded systems can be designed to be very
small, making them suitable for applications with strict size
constraints, such as wearable technology, medical implants, and
compact consumer electronics.
Space Efficiency: The compact nature of embedded systems allows
for more efficient use of space in larger systems, enabling the
development of more sophisticated and multi-functional devices.
 Types of Operating Systems
Advantages of Embedded System
4.Cost-Effectiveness:
Reduced Cost: Because embedded systems are designed to perform specific
tasks, they can be produced with fewer components and resources, reducing
manufacturing costs.
Mass Production: The ability to mass-produce embedded systems for specific
applications further drives down costs, making advanced technology more
accessible.
5. Reliability and Stability:
Dedicated Functionality: Embedded systems are less likely to encounter the
software conflicts and errors common in general-purpose systems, leading to
higher reliability and stability.
Long-Term Operation: These systems are often designed for long-term,
continuous operation without the need for frequent maintenance or updates,