Ever used a cell phone? Well, what about a computer? If so, you have used the operating system. This is the invisible software that practically makes your tech work. It controls all of the peripherals of the computer, like a screen and keyboard. Imagine an operating system as the main director for all the play; it directs everything else and runs smoothly.
There are many sorts, each conceived for a specific purpose. These OS types come into play.
Batch Operating System
Let us go back in time. The first computers were giant machines with prices straining the budget. They used something called batch processing. Batch OS used to group similar jobs together, and one by one, they were executed. Like a teacher who has tests to grade piled on her desk. That is the bottom line.
How Batch OS Works
A batch operating system would take in jobs and put them in a queue. The job could involve running a calculation or printing a document. The jobs are then executed in the order they arrive. After the completion of one job, the next job will commence. There is no need for a user to sit present at the computer during this time.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One great benefit is efficiency. Batch processing uses resources very effectively, whereas interaction can be a problem. If a batch job has an error, you won’t find it out until the whole job is done. Imagine how frustrating it could be to feel the weight of waiting for an eternity only to discover that there is an error at the end of the print. This is why it lacks interactive feedback: an inconvenience.
Time-Sharing Operating System
Now, come time-sharing. Each person gets a small slice of the CPU’s time. Otherwise, it feels as though you have the entire computer to yourself.
Key Features of Time-Sharing
First and foremost, time-sharing is about allocating CPU time. Each user has access to the processor for their own work during their “time allocation.” Context switching is also another central feature. The OS switches its context from one user to another very quickly. That speedy switching gives an illusion of concurrent activities.
Real-World Applications
A major application of time-sharing is large computer systems or servers. For example, a university server might allow students and teachers to carry out their work simultaneously. Every user gets access to their share of the server’s resources.
Distributed Operating System
Next is a distributed operating system. It separates computation among many physical machines as a group into a single computing system. In this way, tasks that require gigantic computational works can be handled.
Architecture of Distributed Systems
Distributed systems can be organized in many ways. One common architecture is the client-server model with a central server. Many clients connect to that server. The design used in a peer-to-peer model permits each computer to share resources directly with others.
Benefits and Challenges
A major advantage is the scalability factor. More machines can be added for more work. Resource-sharing is the other benefit. They are complex systems; security is yet another. It is deemed to have proper protection.
Network Operating System
Such OSs provide network functionality. It creates a virtual neighborhood for mutual chatting and helping between computers.
Server-Based & Peer-to-Peer Network
All communication goes through it. A peer-to-peer network, on the other hand, allows computers to connect directly and communicate as equals. There is no superior-entitled person.
Examples
Windows Server and Linux-based servers are such operating systems that offer resource administration. These operating systems manage user accounts, in addition to handling network resources and security.
Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)
A real-time operating system is an operating system for time-critical applications. The operating systems respond promptly to events, as that can be crucial where they are applied.
Hard vs Soft Real-Time Systems
A hard real-time system implies meeting the deadlines; their failure results in severe consequences. Soft real-time systems do not amount to disaster occurring after missing a deadline.
Use Cases of RTOS
RTOS finds frequent application in embedded systems. For instance, car systems, airplanes, and factory robots fall in this category. These require instant reactions of the OS to sensor data. Examples include RTOS such as used in anti-lock brakes of cars.
Mobile Operating System
Mobile OS is a software application that empowered smartphones and tablets. It was meant for the touch screen and mobile device applications rather than the usability and battery life of this operating system.
There are numerous examples of common mobile OS. iOS (of Apple) and Android (of Google) are behemoths in the category. As expected, iOS is well-known for its fluid user experience. The Android version of Google is known for its tremendous flexibility regarding customization and a vast application pool. Both dominate the scene in terms of mobile space.
The Future of Mobile OS
The time will come when there will be foldable devices. Wearable tech, for example, smartwatches, will occupy a more significant place in the future. Mobile operating systems will, thus, need to adapt to these changes. They’ll need to work seamlessly across different devices.
Conclusion
There are types of operating systems discussed. Every such kind meets a peculiar want. Jobs are done very efficiently by a batch OS, while multiple users can work at time with time-sharing and many large jobs are handled by a distributed OS. Resources are shared via a network OS. Events will be responded to in real time by RTOS. Finally, mobile phones have become our phones with the mobile OSs.