Understanding Operating Systems and Types

What do you understand by an operating system? What are its types? Why is it an inseparable part of the computer system?

Understanding the Operating System

An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a user and computer hardware. It is software that performs all the basic tasks that include memory and file management, process management, and handling input and output data. It also controls devices like scanners and printers.

It includes Linux Operating System, Windows Operating System, VMS, etc.

Types of OS:

1. Batch Operating System: The users of the batch operating system do not interact with the system directly; rather, they do their jobs on an offline device like a punch card and submit it to the operator.

2. Time-Sharing Operating System: Time-sharing is a method that helps many people to use a particular computer system at the same time that is located at various terminals. Time-sharing is also known as multitasking. It is a logical extension of multiprogramming. Time-sharing is named after the processor’s time, which is shared among multiple users simultaneously.

3. Distributed Operating System: Distributed operating systems use multiple central processors that serve as multiple real-time applications at the same time with multiple users.

4. Real-Time Operating System: A data processing system in which the required time interval to process and respond to inputs is so small that it controls the environment is called a Real-Time Operating System. The response time is the time taken by the system to answer back to an input and display the required updated information.

An operating system is the most important part of the computer as it is the software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer’s memory and all the processes, both software as well as hardware. You can also communicate with the computer without knowing the computer’s language.

Therefore, it is an inseparable part of the computer system.