Types of Operating System
Computer Science: OCR A Level, topic 2.1.10
Types of Operating System
There are many types of operating systems used in many different capacities.
Distributed
- A distributed operating system is one that runs across lots of individual computers, but appears to be one system to the end user.
- The operating system is run across all of these systems and synchronizes what each system is doing.
- The users of the system see one unified system for them to use.
Embedded
- An embedded operating system is one usually found in a piece of hardware that serves a single purpose.
- For example, a household washing machine.
- The OS is usually stored in ROM so it is unchangeable.
- The OS accepts data from a variety of sensors to control what is happening.
Multitasking
- A multitasking operating system is one that is designed to allow the user to do multiple things at the same time.
- Laptops, PCs and smartphones all have multitasking operating systems where you can be listening to music whilst working on a document.
- The more things you do, the more system resources are being used, so trying to do too much will slow the system down.
Multi-user
- Multi-user operating systems are usually found on supercomputers.
- A supercomputer is too large and powerful to only allow one person to be able to access it at a time, so they have multiple terminals.
- Multiple users can login to the system via these terminals and work on the computer at the same time.
- Each get a share of the computing power of the supercomputer.
Real-Time
- A real-time operating system reacts to inputs in as close to real time as possible.
- This is important for situations where something needs to be monitored constantly.
- For example, medical tracking systems when tracking heart rates.
- The OS is usually stored in ROM so that it cannot be changed.
- The OS will accept data from sensors and make adjustments or actions based on this data.
Test yourself on Types of Operating System
Which type of operating system is most likely used in a dishwasher?
Which type of operating system is most likely used in a modern desktop PC?