Type of Operating Systems

1. Batch Operating System

2. Multiprogramming Operating System
3. Multitasking Operating System
4. Multiprocessing Operating System
5. Time-sharing Operating System
6. Distributed Operating System
7. Real-time Operating System

1. Batch Operating System:- A Batch Operating System is designed to handle large groups of
similar jobs efficiently. It does not interact with the computer directly but instead
processes jobs that are grouped by an operator.

Advantages:
1. Efficient for large jobs – reduces setup time by grouping similar jobs.
2. Better resource utilization compared to manual processing.
3. Automation – once jobs are submitted, the system handles execution.

Disadvantages:
1. No interaction – users cannot change input/output once job starts.
2. Debugging is difficult – error found only after job completion.
3. Turnaround time is high – jobs may wait in the queue for a long time.

Examples:
• IBM Mainframes (e.g., IBM 1401, IBM 7094).
• Early punch-card based systems.

2. Multi-Programming Operating System:-In a Multi-Programming Operating System, multiple

programs run in memory at the same time. The CPU switches between programs, utilizing its
resources more effectively and improving overall system performance.
 How it Works:
1. Several jobs are kept in the main memory.
2. The CPU executes one job.
3. If that job needs I/O (like reading/writing from disk), the CPU does not sit idle. Instead, it
switches to another job in memory.
4. This process continues, so CPU is almost always busy.

Features:
• More than one program is kept in memory at a time.
• CPU scheduling is used to decide which job to execute next.
• Increases CPU utilization and throughput.
• Provides better performance than batch systems.

Advantages:
1. Efficient CPU utilization – CPU never stays idle.
2. Increases system throughput – more jobs completed in less time.
3. Faster execution than batch processing.

Disadvantages:
1. Requires more memory to store multiple programs.
2. Complex OS design – needs advanced scheduling and memory management.
3. Poor response time for interactive users (since it focuses on efficiency, not interaction).

Examples:
• IBM OS/360
• UNIX (early versions)

3.Multitasking Operating System:- A Multitasking Operating System allows a single CPU (processor)
to execute multiple tasks (processes) at the same time by switching between them rapidly.
How it Works:

• The CPU divides its time into small slices (time quantum).

• Each task gets a time slice to execute.

• If a task is not finished within its slice, the CPU switches to the next task.

• This switching is so fast that users feel tasks are running simultaneously.

Features:

• Multiple programs run concurrently on one CPU.

• Uses time-sharing and CPU scheduling.

• Provides good responsiveness for interactive users.

• Supports background processes (e.g., downloading a file while typing in Word).

Advantages:

1. Efficient use of CPU – no CPU idle time.

2. Fast response – user can interact with multiple applications.

3. Convenience – run many applications at once (e.g., browser, music, editor).

Disadvantages:

1. Context switching overhead – CPU spends time switching between tasks.

2. Slower performance if too many tasks are running.

3. Needs more memory to handle multiple active processes.

Examples:

• Microsoft Windows
• Linux

• macOS

4. Multiprocessing Operating System:- A Multiprocessing Operating System is an OS that

supports a computer system with two or more CPUs (processors) working simultaneously.
It can execute multiple processes at the same time, with different CPUs handling different
tasks.

Types of Multiprocessing OS-

1. Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP)
o All CPUs share a single main memory and run under one OS instance.
o Each processor performs any task given by the OS.
o Tasks are distributed evenly among processors.
o Example: Windows, Linux, UNIX.
2. Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP)
o Each CPU is assigned a specific task.
o One CPU acts as the master (controls the system), and others act as slaves (perform
tasks assigned by the master).
o Example: Early mainframe systems, some embedded systems.

Features:
• Two or more CPUs present.
• Parallel processing of tasks.
• Better throughput, performance, and reliability.

Advantages:
• True parallelism (multiple tasks at the same time).
• Higher reliability (failure of one CPU doesn’t crash the system).
• Faster execution and better resource utilization.

Disadvantages:
• Expensive hardware.
• Complex OS (scheduling, synchronization, communication).
 Examples of Multiprocessing Systems:
• Windows Server
• Linux with SMP support
• UNIX-based servers

5. Time-sharing Operating System :- A Time-Sharing Operating System allows multiple users to

use a computer at the same time by giving each user a small share of CPU time, so it looks
like all are working simultaneously.

How it Works:
• Many users/programs are loaded in the system.
• CPU scheduling divides processor time into time slices.
• Each active user/process gets a small time slice.
• If the time slice ends before completion, the CPU switches to the next process.
• This cycle continues so quickly that all users feel their program is running at the same
time.

Features:
• Based on time-sharing and CPU scheduling.
• Interactive computing → users get quick response.
• Supports multiprogramming + multitasking.

Advantages:
1. Quick response time for interactive users.
2. Efficient resource sharing (CPU, memory, I/O).
3. No CPU idle time – always busy serving one process or another.
4. Multiple users can work simultaneously.

Disadvantages:
1. Overhead of context switching (CPU spends time switching between processes).
2. Heavy load → system slows down.
 3. Security and data privacy issues (since multiple users share the same system).

Examples:
• UNIX (time-sharing versions)
• VMS (Virtual Memory System)
• Linux

6.Distributed Operating System:- A Distributed Operating System is an OS that manages a

group of separate computers and makes them work together as a single system.

How it Works:

• Many computers are connected through a network.

• The OS coordinates these machines so they share resources (CPU, memory, storage).
• To the user, it looks like one powerful computer, even though tasks are distributed
among many machines.

Features:

• Resource sharing (files, processors, printers, etc.).

• High reliability (if one system fails, others keep working).
• Scalability (can add more computers easily).
• Transparency → users don’t see which computer is actually running their program.

Advantages:

1. Resource sharing → more efficient use of hardware.

 2. High performance → tasks divided among many systems.
3. Reliability → failure of one machine doesn’t stop the system.
4. Flexibility → more machines can be added anytime.

Disadvantages:

1. Needs a strong network connection.

2. Complex design of OS and communication.
3. Security issues since data travels over a network.

Examples:

• Amoeba OS

7.Real-time Operating System:- A Real-Time Operating System is an OS that processes data and gives
output within a fixed time limit, often used in systems where quick response is critical.

How it Works:

• RTOS works on deadlines.

• As soon as input comes, it must process it and give output immediately (or within a
guaranteed time).
• Failure to respond on time can cause serious problems (e.g., in medical or defense systems).

Types of RTOS:
 1. Hard Real-Time OS
o Missing a deadline is unacceptable and may cause system failure.
o Example: Aircraft control systems, pacemakers.
2. Soft Real-Time OS
o Missing a deadline reduces performance but system still works.
o Example: Multimedia, online games.

Features:

• Predictable and fast response.

• Uses priority-based scheduling.
• Lightweight and reliable.

Advantages:

1. Timely response – guaranteed execution within deadline.

2. High reliability – suitable for safety-critical applications.
3. Efficient – less resource wastage.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited multitasking support.

2. Expensive to design and implement.
3. Requires specialized hardware and software