Category: Operating Systems
Different Types of Operating Systems
An operating system performs all the basic tasks such as managing files, processes and memory. Operating systems act as the manager of all resources that is resource management. This means that an operating system acts as an interface between the user and the machine. There are different types of operating systems in the market which include:
Batch operating system
This type of operating system does not interact with the user directly. It has an operator who takes similar jobs which possess the same requirement and then group them into batches. It’s the responsibility of the operator to sort the jobs in a similar manner according to their needs.
Advantages
Due to the challenge of knowing the time that is required by any job to complete the processes. The processors of batch system know exactly the duration in which it will take to complete the task. It also has the advantage of sharing batch systems by multiple users. They also have a very small idle time even for batch processes. It is also very easy to manage large amounts of work repeatedly.
Disadvantages
The operators of the computer should be well known with the batch systems. They are very hard to debug and sometimes costly. Other types of jobs will have to wait for a certain period of time in case any of the jobs fail.
Time-Sharing Operating systems
Each of the tasks is given time to execute so that all the tasks are able to work smoothly. This is because each of the user gets a time as a single system. The systems are also known as multitasking systems in that the tasks can be single user or different users and the time that each task is given is known as quantum. After each of the time interval then the operating system switches over to the next task. Some of the examples of time-sharing operating systems include Multics, Unix etc.
Advantages
Each of the task gets an equal opportunity and there is a vert little chance of duplication of the software. The idle time of the CPU can also be reduced by a great magnitude.
Disadvantages
The shortcoming with the system is that it is unreliable. There is also data communication problems and one need to take care of security and integrity of the user programs and the data.
Distributed operating system
This type of operating system is a recent advancement in the world of computer technology and are being widely accepted all over the world. Various autonomous computer systems work together using a shared communication network. The independent systems possess their very own memory unit and CPU. They are often referred to as loosely coupled systems or distributed systems. The processor of these systems differs in size and function. The greatest benefit with working with this type of system is that it is always possible for one user to access the files or software which are not actually present in a system but on some other system connected in the network. Some of the examples include LOCUS.
Advantages
One of the greatest advantages with distributed processing is that failure of one of the systems will not affect the network communication as the other systems will function perfectly well. Computation is also very fast and durable since the resources are being shared. There is also delay in data processing and electronic mail increases the speed of data exchange. This is ideal for sites and applications that can’t afford to go down for while being maintained such as casual dating sites like FuckFinder.App and dating apps like Tinder among other various user based applications.
Disadvantages
The entire communication will failure in case there is failure of the main network. The language used are not yet well defined and these types of systems are readily not available.
Network operating systems
These types of systems run on a server and provide the capability to manage data, groups, security, users, applications and other network functions over a small private network. Another important aspect of network operating system is that all users are well aware of the underlying configuration of the users within the network and their individual connections. This is the reason why these computers are known as tightly computed systems.
Advantages
Network operating systems hold the advantage of having highly stable centralized servers. Their security servers are also handled through servers the server access is possible remotely from different locations and systems. The new network technologies as well as hardware upgrade can easily be integrated.
Disadvantages
The servers are very costly and users have to depend on a central location during most of their operations. The maintenance and updates are also done regularly.
Real-time operating systems
These types of operating systems serve as the real time systems in that the time that is required to process and respond to time is very small. The time interval is called responsive time. They are often used when time requirements are strict like missile systems, robot and air traffic control systems.…
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Basic Introduction to Operating Systems
Basically an operating system is the single most important program built to run on computer throughout its life, while all other programs may be called apps. In other words, the operating system acts as an interface that bridges the user with that of hardware of the computer. It is this system that controls and guides the application programs on your computer. An operating system or OS in short is notable in its functions like memory storage, information and processors and compatibility to devices. For the users this means great convenience, high efficiency and constantly evolving service.
You will find that no devices can be operational or functional without the operating system. It has two very important purposes and these are it allocates and controls the uses of resources within the computer system for various kinds of tasks and also among different types of users. The other task it performs is that it provides the bridge between the user and the computer with a dedicated interface so as to make it easy for coding, debugging of apps and creating new programs.
Details of Operating System
All computers must be able to manage the memory within their systems, traffic controlling, a scheduler, file system and I/O programs through their own basic level programming that is in-built into the system. In order to make all this possible the in-built system within a computer must have an Interface that allows users, system and application programs and hardware to act in synchrony to achieve the net user’s experience in it totality.
In short, the operating system must have these features so as to give the high-end experience. These may be well protected and supervisory mode and easily allows for disk access and the networking security for the file system. The users may need to execute each program with ease and enable virtual memory management and multitasking. The OS program should be capable of managing I/O operations and also be able to manipulate the files. This would mean that the system instantly recognizes an error and automatically manages it. It again would be able to protect all information and resources as well as ably managing allocation of resources.
You may now get the gist of the whole thing that an OS is set of specialized programs that is always in running mode whenever the system is plugged on. It is therefore quick to note the inputs from keyboard and keep track of files and directories and then send forth output gathered from the same on the display screen including other attached devices.
Operating System Acts as the Manager
The first and foremost part played by a manager in any organization is that he or she gives guidance and goals to rest of the staff. In a computer system the operating system firstly boots the computer so that the rest of the interconnected functions are ready to receive further orders. In fact all the peripheral devices like the mouse, keyboard and CPU are managed by it. Then by giving command guidelines and graphical user interface it gives the users their own unique personal experience.
Then along with the above it shares the CPU time with the help of various application and devices. It then provides help through file management so that you are able to file, save, retrieve and manipulate data. Again, in order to avoid errors it takes measures automatically to prevent it from occurring.
Through processor management it puts the tasks into correct order and makes them manageable before it passes onto the CPU. Through memory management it coordinates data to and from RAM or Random Access Memory. It then also determines the need for virtual memory.
The device management ensures that it provides the interface the moment the computer is connected. There is also a standard communication among the tasks performed that is between the computer and the software. It never allows one task to superimpose on another task and guides the whole system to function in synchrony.
You may choose any one of the top operating system as basically they offer the same standard function although this may again vary from individual to individual and the types of tasks to be performed. …
Continue Reading...OS Crash Course
Here is a great video that provides and amazing crash course on operating systems. It is under 15 minutes long and covers history, functions, and innovations. Check it out!