Operating System lies in the category of system software. An operating system(OS) is software that interfaces computer hardware components and the user. A computer operating system is a program initially loaded to the computer by a boot program that manages all the other computer applications. An operating system is an integrated set of programs that controls the resources (CPU, memory, I/O device) of a computer and provides its user with an interface. Operating System is a fully integrated set of specialized programs that handle all the operations of the computer. It controls and monitors the execution of all other programs that reside in the computer, which also includes application programs and other system software of the computer. Examples of Operating Systems are Windows, Linux, Mac OS, etc.

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Types of Computer Operating Systems List

There are many operating systems, that have different configurations and user interfaces, and improvements in every operating system. Different types of computer operating systems serve different purposes and have different applications. 

The different types of computer operating systems., 

• Multitasking operating system
• Multi-processing operating system
• Time-sharing operating system
• Real-time operating system
• Multi-processing batch operating system
• Distributed operating system
• Network operating system
• Mobile operating system

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Multitasking Operating system

• Multitasking is one type of computer operating system that allows users to run multiple programs and tasks simultaneously.
• This multitasking operating system keeps track of each job without losing a job and allows us to switch between jobs without losing any data to be lost.
• In modern times all the modern operating systems have complete multitasking capabilities so that multiple programs can run simultaneously without any interference.
• The allocation of system resources such as input/output devices, CPU, and Memory.

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Features of Multitasking Operating System

The features of a multitasking operating system are,

• Time-sharing 
• Context Switching 
• Multi-Threading 
• Hardware Interrupt

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Multi-processing Operating system

• A multiprocessing operating system is used to improve the performance of more than one CPU can be used within one computer system.
• This type of operating system will interconnect the CPUs divide the job and execute it faster.
• In this type of system execution of input and output operation or any application may be faster in some situations because many processors may be available for a single job.
• Multi-processors are designed to work together in handling large databases and business transactions.

Types of multi-processing operating system

The types of multi-processing operating systems are,

• Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)
• Asymmetric Multiprocessing (ASMP)

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Time-Sharing Operating System

• The time-sharing operating system is one type of computer operating system method of allows multiple individuals at different terminals to access the same computer system simultaneously.
• It uses CPU scheduling and multi-programming to provide each user with a small portion of a shared computer at once.
• A program is loaded into memory and executed it performs for a short period either before completion or to complete I/O.
• Time-shared operating systems are more complex than multi-programmed operating systems 

Types of time-sharing operating system

The types of time-sharing operating systems are 

• Multics.
• UNIX.
• Linux.
• TOPS-20 (DEC)
• Windows NT server.
• Windows 2000 server.
• TOPS-10 (DEC)

Real-time operating system

• Real-time operating systems are one type of computer operating system that is used in environments where a large number of events, mostly external to the computer system, must be accepted and processed in a short time or within certain deadlines.
• A real-time operating system is a special kind of operating system designed to handle tasks that need to be done quickly and on time.
• The main goal of an RTOS provide real-time control over hardware resources like

RAM (Random Access Memory).

• A Real-Time Operating System (RTOS) is a special kind of operating system designed to handle tasks that need to be completed quickly and on time.

Types of Real-time operating system

There are three types of Real-time operating systems are.,

• Hard RTOS
• Soft RTOS
• Firm RTOS

Multi-Processing Batch Operating System

• Multi-processing is the use of more than one Central Processing Unit (CPU) in a computer system, allowing the system to support multiple processors.
• Multiprocessor operating systems are used in operating systems to boost the performance of multiple  CPUs within a single computer system.
• Jobs were required to share main memory, and they may often share other system resources.
• The system frees up memory after each task is completed, and the output is sent to a spool for later processing and printing.

Distributed Operating System

• In a distributed operating system, multiple CPUs are utilized, but for end-users it appears as a typical centralized operating system.
• It enables the sharing of various resources such as CPUs, disks, network interfaces, nodes, and computers across different sites.
• Due to its characteristics, a distributed operating system is classified as a loosely coupled system.
• The ability of a distributed OS to share processing resources and I/O files while providing users with a virtual machine abstraction is an important feature.

Types of Distributed Operating System

There are 5 types of distributed operating systems

• Client - Server Systems 
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Systems
• Middleware
• Three-Tier
• N-Tier

Network Operating System

• The abbreviation of the Network Operating System is NOS.
• A network operating system is one type of computer operating system that is designed primarily to support workstations, PCs, and in some instances, older terminals that are connected to a local area network (LAN).
• This is also sort of similar to the distributed operating system which enables multiple devices within a network to communicate and share resources.
• An NOS coordinates the activities of multiple computers across a network, it includes such devices as PCs, printers, file servers, and databases connected to local network.

Types of Network Operating System

There are  2 types of network operating systems are 

• Peer to Peer
• Client/server

Mobile Operating system

• Mobile operating systems (Mobile OS) which manage the mobile gadgets like phones and tablets.
• The mobile operating system that manages the mobile basic functions and runs apps,
• It acts as an interface between the system hardware and the user.
• Interactions between the software and the hardware.

Types of Mobile Operating System

There are a total 9 types of Mobile operating systems that are 

• Android OS
• Bada
• Blackberry OS
• Apple iOS
• Windows Mobile Operating System
• Symbian OS
• Harmony OS
• Palm OS
• Web OS

The computer OS is an interface between the hardware and software of the computer and its users, which is more helpful for performing complex tasks. Operating system plays a pivotal role in modern computing and provides a robust platform for running applications and managing hardware resources. The topic I have written about is the types of computer operating systems that are useful in everyone’s day-to-day life. This topic will help students or candidates who are seeking knowledge of computer operating systems.

FAQ’s

Q. What is the purpose of the operating system?

The purpose of the operating system is it manage the computer's memory and processes as well as all of its software and hardware.

Q. How many different types of computer operating systems and what are those?

There are 7 types of computer operating systems, they are.,

• Multitasking operating system
• Multi-processing operating system
• Time-sharing operating system
• Real-time operating system
• Multi-programming batch operating system
• Distributed operating system
• Network operating system

Q. What are the most important and commonly used operating systems?

The most important and commonly used operating systems are 

• Microsoft Windows
• Linux
• Android
• Apple IOS
• Apple Mac OS

Q. What is Virtual Memory?

Virtual memory is a method that computers use to manage storage space to keep systems running quickly and efficiently. 

Q. How does a multi-tasking operating system work?

A multi-tasking operating system works by time slicing method which means that the multiple programs are allowed to use a small amount of processor time one after another.