Types Of OS
In the previous article, I had detailed how the Operating System acts as the soul of the computer and brings a computer to life. In this article, I would explain the types of OS.
Before we get into the types of Operating System, we need to understand, Installation and Booting. Installation is the processing of copying OS software from Compact Disc( or in some cases a flash/pen drive ) to computer Hardisk.
Once the installation is completed, OS needs to be booted. Booting is the process of loading the OS from Hard disk to RAM (Random Access Memory).
Installation is done once and booting has to be done multiple times in order to use the computer.
Now that these concepts are clear, let's jump into types of OS. OS is categorised into different types depending upon certain factors. The factors are User Interface, Number of Tasks OS can help in execution, Number of Users using OS simultaneously, For which hardware is the OS Used.
USER INTERFACE: There are 2 types of OS based on an interface.
- Command Line Interface
- Graphical User Interface
In the case of Command Line Interface, all the instructions to OS are given in the form of a command. Ex: Unix Operating System.
In the case of the Graphical User Interface, all the instructions to OS are given in the form of mouse clicks. Ex: Windows, Mac.
NUMBER OF TASKS OS CAN EXECUTE: There are 2 types of OS based on this.
- Single Tasking OS
- Multi-Tasking OS
In the case of Single Tasking OS, as the name suggests, the OS can execute only one program/task at a time. Ex: MS-DOS
In the case of Multi-Tasking OS, as the name suggests, the OS can execute multiple programs/task simultaneously. Ex: Windows
NUBER OF USERS: There are 2 types of OS even in this case.
- Single User OS
- Multi-User OS
In the case of Single User OS, only one user can use the OS at any given point in time. Ex: Windows.
In Multi-User OS, many users can use the OS simultaneously. Ex. UNIX, Windows Server.
Finally, if OS is installed and used in a general-purpose desktop or laptop computers, it is called Normal OS. If it is used in a specific computer it is called Embedded OS. A specific computer is a.k.a Embedded System.
