1.10 Types of Operating Systems

     Programming in C    


Types of Operating Systems

Modern computer operating systems may be classified into different types according to the nature of interaction that takes place between the user, the user’s program, and the computer system during processing. The major types of operating systems are Batch Processing, Multiprogramming, Time-Sharing, Real-Time, Network, and Distributed Operating Systems.


1. Batch Processing Operating System

In a batch processing operating system, users submit jobs to a central location where they are collected into batches and placed in an input queue. The jobs are executed one after another without any interaction between the user and the job during execution.

The response time in a batch system is called turnaround time, which is the time interval between job submission and job completion. Early batch systems were based on card and tape storage, allowing only sequential access to programs and data.

A batch operating system reads a stream of jobs, each with predefined control commands. After execution, the output is usually printed. Since only one program executes at a time, memory management, process scheduling, I/O management, and file access are simple and generally follow a first-come-first-serve (FCFS) strategy.

Applications: Payroll processing, forecasting, statistical analysis, and scientific computations.

Disadvantages:

  • Non-interactive environment

  • Offline debugging

  • High turnaround time


2. Multiprogramming Operating System

A multiprogramming operating system allows more than one program or parts of programs to reside in main memory simultaneously. The operating system selects one job for execution while others wait, thereby improving CPU utilization.

This system requires efficient memory management, CPU scheduling, and process coordination to prevent interference among programs. Multiprogramming significantly improves system throughput and resource utilization.

Multiprogramming operating systems support several techniques such as multitasking, multi-user, and multiprocessing.

2.1 Multitasking Operating System

In a multitasking operating system, a program in execution is called a process or task. The operating system allows multiple tasks to execute seemingly at the same time by rapidly switching the CPU between them.

The simplest form is serial multitasking or context switching, where one task is temporarily stopped to execute another.

Examples: UNIX, Windows 2000/XP

2.2 Multi-User Operating System

A multi-user operating system allows simultaneous access to a computer system by multiple users through terminals. Each user may run programs independently.

Examples include large transaction processing systems such as railway reservation systems.

Examples: Linux, UNIX, Windows 2000/XP

2.3 Multiprocessing Operating System

A multiprocessing system consists of more than one CPU, allowing multiple jobs to execute simultaneously. Multiprocessing improves speed, reliability, and performance.

Multiprocessing operating systems are inherently multitasking systems, as they support concurrent execution of processes on different processors.



3. Time-Sharing Operating System

A time-sharing operating system provides computing services to multiple users simultaneously in an interactive mode. The CPU time is divided into small units called time slices, and each user is allocated a time slice in a round-robin fashion.

Users experience quick response times, usually within a few seconds, giving the illusion of having a dedicated computer.

Memory management ensures protection and separation of user programs, while I/O management handles multiple terminals efficiently.

Time-sharing systems are a special case of multiprogramming systems, but not all multiprogramming systems are time-sharing systems.



4. Real-Time Operating System

A real-time operating system (RTOS) is designed for applications where response time is critical. Correctness depends not only on logical accuracy but also on timely execution.

In real-time systems, each process is assigned a priority, and the CPU is allocated using priority-based pre-emptive scheduling.

Processes usually remain in primary memory to ensure fast response. Real-time systems have efficient interrupt handling, I/O buffering, and fast file access.

Applications: Flight control, industrial automation, nuclear power monitoring, military systems.

Examples: QNX, RTMX, RTX, Lynx



5. Network Operating System

A network operating system enables a set of autonomous computers connected through a network to share resources. Each system runs its own operating system, and users are aware of multiple machines.

Users must explicitly log in to remote systems and transfer files manually.

Characteristics:

  • Each computer has its own OS

  • Users know file locations

  • Remote access through commands

Examples: Linux, Windows 2000 Server, Windows 2003 Server



6. Distributed Operating System

A distributed operating system manages multiple computers and presents them to users as a single unified system. Users are unaware of where programs are executed or where files are stored.

The system automatically manages processor scheduling, file placement, load balancing, and resource sharing.

Advantages of Distributed Operating Systems

  • Cost-effective due to powerful microprocessors

  • Incremental growth

  • High reliability and availability

Key Features

  • Single global file system

  • Unified protection mechanism

  • Automatic program execution management

Example: Amoeba


Conclusion

Different types of operating systems are designed to meet different computing requirements. Selection of an operating system depends on response time, number of users, application type, and resource management needs.







📖 Reference

Prepared by referring to the standard textbook
“Computer Fundamentals and Programming in C”
by Pradip Dey and Manas Ghosh,
Second Edition, Oxford University Press (2018).

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