An OS (Operating System) is the backbone of a computer or a computing system. Whether it is your computer, laptop, palmtop, server, tab, or smartphone, it needs an operating system, or else it won’t operate. OS is there to effectively manage software, hardware, and user interactions and ensure that everything works fine. This is why it is important to understand the different aspects and types of operating system. Today, in this blog, you will get to explore different aspects of operating system.
What is an OS (Operating System)?
To define operating system, this is a system software that works as a bridge between the user and hardware. It efficiently manages various system resources like storage, processors, and memory while offering an interface for users to interact with hardware and applications.
Essential Functions and Applications of an Operating System
There are various functions of an operating system, making it an integral part of a computing system. Before knowing about the types of operating system, you should know these functions first.
User Interface
An OS acts as an effective interface to the users. It works as both as a CLI (Command-Line Interface) and GUI (Graphical User Interface).
Resource Management
An OS is also there to effectively manage various system resources like CPU, memory, and storage devices.
Task Management
The OS also deals with various processes and tasks simultaneously.
File System
OS is also responsible for effectively storing and organizing data on storage devices.
Security
Providing security to the system is also another function of the OS. It prevents malicious attacks and unauthorized access.
The Evolution of Operating System
Over the years, there has been an amazing evolution of operation system. It has transformed from basic systems to modern AI-powered platforms. Prior to knowing about types of operating system, check out these generations of operating systems.
First Generation (1940s-1950s)
In the first generation, the concept of operation system was not there. Computers simply used to function with the help of punch cards and machine code.
Second Generation (1950s-1960s)
Batch processing system was the first type of formal operation system which emerged during the second generation. It used to execute tasks sequentially without any kind of user interaction. One example of such OS was IBM 7094.
Third Generation (1960s-1980s)
The main feature of this generation of OS was multi-programming which let the system run various programs concurrently. On the other hand, time-sharing systems with its interactive computing let multiple users access one system effectively. One example of such OS was UNIX.
Four Generation (1980s-2010s)
This generation of OS saw the introduction of personal and distributed computing. It saw the inception of user-friendly OS that worked on distributed system. Operating systems like macOS and Windows became extremely popular around the world in this generation. This is among important types of operating system.
Modern Era
Modern era of OS saw the usage of operating system in embedded system, mobile, cloud and other devices. Mobile based platforms like iOS and Android have become hugely popular during this time.
What are the Various Types of Operating System?
There are several types of operating system tailored for particular use cases. Let’s check out these operating systems and their functions.
Batch Operating System
In this type of operation system, job are executed in batches or groups without any kind of user intervention. It was popular during 1950s and 1960s for large mainframe computers. IBM OS/360 was the example of one such batch operating system.
Use Case: Financial calculations, payroll processing.
Time-Sharing Operating System
As the name suggests, this type of OS lets different users share time to use a computing system. Multiple users were able to use a single system simultaneously by effectively allocating a specific time slice to different user. UNIX is one such OS.
Use Case: Educational platforms, interactive systems.
Distributed Operating System
This type of operating system effectively coordinates various computers over a large network, sharing different resources efficiently. Google’s Kubernetes is the example of such distributed operating system.
Use Case: Server farms, cloud computing.
Real-Time Operating System
This type of OS give priority to different tasks with specific time constraints. This is how it ensures high reliability. Some example of this type of OS are FreeRTOS, VxWorks etc.
Use Case: Robotics, industrial automation, and medical devices.
Network Operating System
Such OS facilitates and manages communication between various devices over a network effectively. Novell NetWare and Windows Server are the example of such operating system.
Use Case: File sharing, corporate networks.
Mobile Operating System
This type of operating system is designed to use on various handheld devices. Such Oss optimizes resource usage and support touch interfaces. Popular mobile OS like iOS and Android come under this type of operating system.
Use Case: Tablets, smartphones.
Embedded Operating System
These lightweight operating systems are basically designed for embedded systems. They come with some specific functionalities. OS like RTEMS and Embedded Linux come under this type.
Use Case: Automotive systems, home appliances, and IoT devices.
GUI-Based Operating System
Such OS comes with a graphical user interface (GUI) to ensure a user-friendly interface, unlike the command-line systems. OS like macOS Ventura and Windows 11 are such type.
Use Case: Multimedia applications, personal computing.
Command-Line Operating System
This type of OS enables the users to effectively interact with the system with the help of commands. MS-DOS is the example of one such type pf OS which was hugely popular back in time.
Use Case: Scripting, system administration.
Examples of OS in Daily Life
There are different types of operating system that you use in your daily life while using your computer, laptop, tab, or smartphone. Some of these are described:
- Windows: The most popular operating system around the world. Most of the corporate desktop and personal computers run on Windows.
- macOS: The Mac devices (computers and laptops) run on this operating system. This is the flagship OS of Apple.
- Linux: This is one of the most popular open-source operating systems for developers and servers.
- iOS: Apple’s OS for its mobile devices.
- Chrome OS: This lightweight operating system is used on Chromebooks.
- UNIX: This OS used to be the foundation of most of the modern operation systems. It is still used to this day.
How to Choose the Right Operating System?
With various types of operating system, you need to choose the right one for you. Prior to choosing an operating system, you are required to consider various factors.
Purpose
You need to know your purpose first. Then in accordance with that, you should proceed to choose a specific OS.
Hardware
It would be better for you to select a specific OS that will go well with your hardware. Hence, consider your hardware first and then opt for an OS accordingly.
Budget
Budget is another essential factor that you are required to consider while choosing an operating system.
Security
You must also consider the aspect of security while choosing an OS. Some operating systems come with better security and safety as compared to others.
User-Friendliness
It would be better for you to consider the user-friendliness of an OS prior to choosing it for use.
Performance-Needs
You are also required to consider the performance-need of the operating system that you wish to choose. Consider aspect like simplicity, multitasking, and real-time processing.
User-Base
It is also essential for you to consider the base. Decide whether it will be for multi-user environments, enterprise applications, or personal use.
What is Next?
With the rapid change and development in technology, present-day operating systems are also changing fast. The latest advancement in quantum systems. Edge computing and AI (Artificial Intelligence) are going to vastly change the coming-day operating systems. Some of the potential changes that you expect to see in the future:
AI-Powered Automation
AI-powered automation is already on the way. Hence, this is inevitable that it will be integrated in the OS in future.
Quantum Computing
With the development in quantum processors, the future OS is likely to have quantum computing support. The processing power of such OS will be of next level.
Increased Security
Integrating zero-trust frameworks and blockchain will enhance users’ security and encryption.
Conclusion
Without operating system, modern day computing systems cannot run. An OS (Operating System) acts as a bridge between a system and a user. It effectively dictates many tasks, functions and processes. With different types of operating system, the user needs to choose a specific type according their unique needs and preference. OS dominates every device these days, from a smartphone to high-end servers and computers.
FAQs
What are Some Different Types of OS?
Ans: Some different type of operating system are command-line interface OS, embedded OS, GUI-Based OS, time-sharing OS and distributed OS.
What is the OS Full Form?
Ans: The full form of OS is the Operating System.
What are Some Examples of Operating System?
Ans: Examples of some operating systems are Windows, Linux, UNIX, iOS, Android, etc.
How to Choose an OS between Different Types of Operating System?
Ans: After considering different factors like your budget, need, performance-need and other aspects, you should proceed to choose a specific operating system.
What is the Most Popular Example of Operating System?
Ans: Windows has been the most popular operating system in the world for many years now.
