Types of Operating Systems: Features, Functions & Examples

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An Operating System (OS) is the core software that controls hardware resources and supports software programs. Computers cannot function without an OS. The different operating systems have developed over the years, specialized to serve various applications. We’ll dive into this blog where we will review different Os types, on a number of parameters, such as their pros and cons, hot topics, and the future of OS technology.

Types of Operating Systems Based on Different Criteria

There are different categories of operating systems that differ from one another in terms of their architecture, functionality, user interface, and devices they can run on. Here we are examining operating systems divided on several different bases for clarity and explanation.

1. Types of Operating Systems Based on Functionality

a. Batch Operating Systems
Batch operating systems are one of the oldest forms of operating systems and were originally intended to operate without too much user interaction. In batch processing systems, jobs (tasks) are compiled into a “batch” and then the system processes them in parallel without the need for the user to interact. These systems are extremely fast in performing routine tasks, like payroll processing or scientific computations. But users never engage with the system in real-time, and outcomes are subsequently delayed.

Use Cases: Batch OSs were traditionally applied on massive mainframe machines. The early IBM mainframes, for instance, ran a batch processor.
Example: IBM’s early operating systems (like OS/360) executed batches of jobs which worked well for companies that needed to handle huge amounts of data.

b. Multi-tasking (Time-Sharing) Operating Systems
Time-sharing operating systems allow different process or users to use the same resources. Every task gets a little “time slice” to execute, making the system look like it’s processing many different tasks at the same time. This enables one computer to support a large number of users.

Characteristics: One of the key features of time-sharing systems is that they enable instant responses and a fair distribution of resources across multiple users. These machines radically changed the dynamics of interactive computing for personal users by reducing idle time.
Use Cases: Used in environments where multiple users are required to connect to the same computing resources (university labs, government agencies, enterprise applications).
Example: UNIX and Linux are prime time-sharing operating systems. These OSs can effectively run multiple sessions at once.

c. Real-time Operating Systems (RTOS)
Live operating systems are primarily created for systems which need to process and respond very fast. These engines are deterministic in the sense that they ensure predefined responses to critical operations. RTOSs are used in situations where breaking time limits would have severe consequences, like medical devices, robotics and aircraft controls.

Characteristics: Real-time OSs should be very fast, each task must be finished in the given time. These systems put tasks on top of a list, with higher priorities preceding lower priorities.
Use Cases: Aerospace, auto-safety, Medical devices, industrial automation.
Example: VxWorks and QNX are two most widely used embedded RTOSs for applications with ultra-low latency.

d. Distributed Operating Systems
Distributed operating systems control a cluster of autonomous machines and appear to work as a single system. These mechanisms let you divide resources across multiple devices and talk to each other. They are used to scale systems and to provide redundancy, which is a crucial factor in fault tolerance and load balancing.

Characteristics: The distributed OS allows for different systems (sometimes separated by a distance from one another) to communicate seamlessly. It abstracts the hardware, providing the user with a holistic view of system resources. This increases system availability and scalability.
Use Cases: Cloud computing environments, enterprise-class data centers, and scientific research projects that require high-end computing power.
Example: distributed operating systems such as Android or distributed databases such as Hadoop are based on distributed OS.

e. Network Operating Systems
Network operating systems (NOS) are specifically intended to manage resources and services across a network. These networks connect multiple computers, share information, and access peripheral devices like printers. The OS handles user authentication, file sharing, and addressing.

Characteristics: A network OS facilitates centralised user management of access, making it possible for individuals to use network resources according to their jobs. It also implements protocols for data transmission and resource sharing.
Use Cases: Offices, Schools, Businesses, and Companies where resources are required to be distributed across computers.
Examples: Microsoft’s Windows Server and Novell NetWare are network OSs

2. Types of Operating Systems Based on User Interaction

a. Command-Line Interface (CLI) Operating Systems
In command-line interface operating systems, users manipulate the system through the use of text statements. CLI OSs offer a lot of control over the system, and hence the users can run advanced functions. But they are hard to learn and might not be as intuitive as graphical screens.

Characteristics: CLI OSs are light in weight and consume less system resources compared to GUI systems. They are used mainly by developers and advanced users that require strict oversight of the system.
Use Cases: Implemented in servers, programming, and admin environments
Examples: UNIX and MS-DOS are two classic examples of CLI OSs

b. Graphical User Interface (GUI) Operating Systems
GUI-based operating systems facilitate interaction through windows, icons, buttons, and menus. GUIs are intuitive and user-friendly, which makes them a good fit for general-purpose computing and consumer electronics.

Characteristics: GUIs are easy to use and suitable for anyone who does not know how to code or use the command-line syntax. However, they use more system resources (CPU, memory) than CLIs.
Use Cases: The majority of computers, smartphones and tablets run GUI-based operating systems due to their ease of use.
Examples: Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions using graphical interfaces such as GNOME or KDE

3. Types of Operating Systems Based on Multi-tasking

a. Single-tasking Operating Systems
Single-tasking operating systems support only one operation at a time. It was the standard practice in the early computing era, but it is now largely obsolete because of the rise of multi-tasking platforms. Such functions are increasingly being applied to embedded systems in which the system needs to perform a single operation, like running a microwave or an electronic wristwatch.

Characteristics: They’re Easy to Use and Low On Hardware, but they don’t allow any kind of Parallel Tasking.
Use Cases: Low-level embedded systems or legacy code
Example: Early versions of MS-DOS or embedded computers doing dedicated work

b. Multi-tasking Operating Systems
Multitasking systems can handle more than one task at once by dividing up the system’s resources among them. These OSs are crucial in contemporary computing because it’s possible to have multiple applications open at the same time – that way it’s very easy to compute.

Characteristics: Newer OSs both support foreground and background processes. They can run multiple applications at the same time, and users can seamlessly switch between them.
Use Cases: Desktops, Laptops and Smartphones.
Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux and Android are common multitasking operating systems.

4. Types of Operating Systems Based on Device Control

a. Mobile Operating Systems
Mobile Operating Systems are operating systems developed for mobile phones, tablets and other handheld devices. They are designed for touch-screen use, wireless connectivity, and mobile-specific functions such as GPS and sensors.

Characteristics: Mobile OSs are small and energy-efficient because they have to keep the battery charged on mobile phones. They are typically closed-source, but have a large app community.
Use Cases: Phones, tablets, wristbands, and other handheld devices.
Example: Android, iOS, and HarmonyOS

b. Desktop Operating Systems
Desktop operating systems are used primarily for use on desktops and laptops. These are open source OSs that are compatible with anything from office software to games.

Characteristics: Most desktop OSes support strong hardware peripherals, have powerful multitasking, and have graphic user interfaces.
Use Cases: Desktops, workstations, laptops.
Example: Windows, macOS, and Linux

c. Embedded Operating Systems
Embedded operating systems run on hardware components that do certain functions. These systems are typically smaller and provide specialized functionality for embedded appliances, medical devices, and automobiles.

Characteristics: Embedded OSs are portable, resource-efficient, and often real-time.
Use Cases: Medical devices, vehicles, digital cameras, and home appliances.
Example: FreeRTOS, Embedded Linux, QNX

5. Types of Operating Systems Based on Resource Management

a. Single-user, Single-tasking Operating Systems
These operating systems can only do one thing at a time for one user. They were wildly fashionable in the early days of computing but are almost totally out of date with the exception of special purposes.

Characteristics: Clean and easy to use but unsuited for contemporary computing.
Use Cases: Early personal computers or custom embedded devices.
Example: Early versions of MS-DOS

b. Single-user, Multi-tasking Operating Systems
They are operating systems in which one user can do many things at a time, making them ideal for personal computers today.

Characteristics: Multitasking for a single user, providing more productivity and ease of use.
Use Cases: Desktops, laptops, and tablets
Example: Windows, macOS, and Android

c. Multi-user, Multi-tasking Operating Systems
Such OSs are meant to handle many users performing multiple processes simultaneously. They manage resources centrally and they allow many people to work together without interfering.

Characteristics: They provide safe user management and authorization, ensuring that every user has their own environment and resources are efficiently shared.
Use Cases: Server environments, data centers, enterprise applications.
Example: UNIX, Linux, and IBM z/OS.

Pros and Cons of Different Types of Operating Systems

Type of OS	Pros	Cons
Batch Operating Systems	Efficient for repetitive tasks, minimal user interaction required	No real-time interaction, outdated for most modern applications
Multi-tasking OS	Efficient resource utilization, support for multiple users	Requires more hardware resources, potential for security issues
Real-time OS	Provides guaranteed response time, ideal for critical applications	Expensive, difficult to develop and maintain
Distributed OS	Shared resources across multiple systems, scalability	Complex to manage, requires high-speed networking
Network OS	Easy resource sharing, centralized control	Network performance dependent, security risks in large networks
CLI OS	High control, requires less memory resources	Steep learning curve, no visual feedback
GUI OS	User-friendly, visual interface	Consumes more resources, less flexibility for advanced users
Mobile OS	Optimized for mobile tasks, user-friendly	Limited multitasking, resource-hungry
Desktop OS	Versatile, supports a wide range of applications	Can be resource-intensive, prone to software conflicts
Embedded OS	Lightweight, optimized for specific tasks	Limited functionality, less user customization

Future Trends in Operating Systems

Technology – artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and greater automation – will determine how the future of operating systems is conceived.

1. AI-Powered Operating Systems

OS’s of the future could leverage AI to improve performance, identify hardware failures and manage the system. For instance, AI could optimize memory usage or automatically upgrade software when new vulnerabilities are found. This integration is already beginning to show up in some systems like Windows 10’s predictive maintenance software.

2. Quantum Computing OS

Quantum computers are rumoured to re-shape computing capacity, and new operating systems will be required to cope with the new paradigm of quantum machines. These OSs will have to deal with qubits and quantum computations, bringing discoveries in cryptography and material science.

3. Blockchain-based Operating Systems

Decentralized and anti-interference security could be offered by blockchain technology in future operating systems. Blockchain OSs could be more privacy friendly and a safer storage for user information, particularly in the cloud.

Best Comparison Table of Different Types of Operating Systems

To get a quick overview of the most important differences among the different operating systems, here is a table comparison based on size, power supply, and price point.

OS Types	Size (L x W x H in cm)	Power Supply	Price Range (INR)	Key Features
Windows OS	N/A	AC/DC Power	₹5,000 – ₹30,000	GUI, multi-user support, large application ecosystem
Linux OS	N/A	AC Power	Free – ₹20,000	Open-source, highly customizable, secure
macOS	N/A	AC Power	₹70,000 – ₹1,50,000	GUI, user-friendly, optimized for Apple hardware
Android OS	N/A	Battery/AC Power	₹10,000 – ₹50,000	Touch-based interface, mobile, app-centric ecosystem
Chrome OS	N/A	AC/DC Power	₹15,000 – ₹50,000	Cloud-based, lightweight, fast boot time
QNX OS (Embedded)	Compact	DC Power	₹25,000 – ₹1,00,000	Lightweight, used for embedded systems
RTOS (VxWorks)	Compact	DC Power	₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000	Real-time processing, low latency

Conclusion

It’s the operating system at the heart of all computing, where hardware management, user interface, and application running are taken care of. From the early batch processors to the modern real-time OSs and cloud services, the OS landscape has continually shifted to meet the evolving needs of the technology. With emerging trends such as AI, quantum computing and blockchain, the future of operating systems promises more power still. OS will also get smarter, safer, and flexible, driving new innovation across the industry through these advancements.