Operating System

An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software
resources. It acts as a bridge between users and the computer, ensuring smooth operation. Different
types of OS serve different needs some handle one task at a time, while others manage multiple users
or real-time processes.

1.1. Batch Operating System

A Batch Operating System is designed to handle large groups of similar jobs ef iciently. It does not
interact with the computer directly but instead processes jobs that are grouped by an operator. These
jobs are queued and executed one after the other, without user interaction during the process.

Term Job: A job is a simple task or a collection of task is to be perform by operating system.

Batch Operating System

Advantages of Batch Operating System

 Ef icient Job Management: Multiple users can ef iciently share the system, making it cost-
effective.

 Minimal Idle Time: The system minimizes idle time by processing jobs in a continuous
sequence without human intervention.
  Handling Repetitive Tasks: Ideal for managing large, repetitive tasks, such as payroll and
billing, with minimal effort.

 Improved Throughput: Batch systems can handle high volumes of jobs at once, improving
overall system throughput.

Disadvantages of Batch Operating System

 Inef icient CPU Utilization: When a job is waiting for input/output (I/O), the CPU remains
idle, leading to poor utilization of resources.

 Unpredictable Job Completion: If one job fails, others may be delayed inde initely, making
job completion time unpredictable.

 Increased Response Time: The time between job submission and output can be high as all
jobs are processed sequentially.

 Lack of Real-Time Feedback: Users cannot interact with the system in real-time, making it
less suitable for interactive tasks.

1.2. 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.

Advantages of Multi-Programming Operating System

 CPU is better utilized and the overall performance of the system improves.
 It helps in reducing the response time.
1.3. Multi-Tasking/Time Sharing Operating System
Multitasking OS is a type of Multiprogramming system with every process running in round
robin manner. Each task is given some time to execute so that all the tasks work smoothly.
Each user gets the time of the CPU as they use a single system. These systems are also known
as Multitasking Systems. The task can be from a single user or different users. The time that
each task gets to execute is called quantum. After this time interval is over, the OS switches
over to the next task.

Advantages of Time-Sharing OS
 Each task gets an equal opportunity.
 Fewer chances of duplication of software.
 CPU idle time can be reduced.
 Resource Sharing: Time-sharing systems allow multiple users to share hardware resources
such as the CPU, memory and peripherals, reducing the cost of hardware and increasing
ef iciency.
 Improved Productivity: Time-sharing allows users to work concurrently, thereby reducing the
waiting time for their turn to use the computer. This increased productivity translates to more
work getting done in less time.
 Improved User Experience: Time-sharing provides an interactive environment that allows
users to communicate with the computer in real time, providing a better user experience than
batch processing.
Disadvantages of Time-Sharing OS
 Reliability problem.
 One must take care of the security and integrity of user programs and data.
  Data communication problem.
 High Overhead: Time-sharing systems have a higher overhead than other operating systems
due to the need for scheduling, context switching and other overheads that come with
supporting multiple users.
 Complexity: Time-sharing systems are complex and require advanced software to manage
multiple users simultaneously. This complexity increases the chance of bugs and errors.
 Security Risks: With multiple users sharing resources, the risk of security breaches increases.
Time-sharing systems require careful management of user access, authentication and
authorization to ensure the security of data and software.
Example :
IBM VM/CMS
TSO (Time Sharing Option
Windows Terminal Services
1.4. Multi-Processing Operating System
A Multi-Processing Operating System is a type of Operating System in which more than one
CPU is used for the execution of resources. It betters the throughput of the System.

Term Register:” A register is a small and temporary storage unit inside a computer's (CPU). It
plays a vital role in holding the data required by the CPU for immediate processing and is made
up of lip- lops. It usually holds a limited amount of data ranging from 8 to 64 bits, depending
on the processor architecture.
Registers act as intermediate storage for data during arithmetic logic and other processing
operations. In this article, we explore the de inition, examples, applications, advantages, and
disadvantages of registers in computer systems.”
 Term Cache: “Cache memory is a small, high-speed storage area in a computer. It stores copies
of the data from frequently used main memory locations. There are various independent
caches in a CPU, which store instructions and data.”

Advantages of a Multi-Processing Operating System

 It increases the throughput of the system as processes can be parallelized.
 As it has several processors, so, if one processor fails, we can proceed with another processor.

1.5. Distributed Operating System

Distributed operating systems are a recent advancement in the world of computer technology
and are being widely accepted all over the world and, that too, at a great pace. Various
autonomous interconnected computers communicate with each other using a shared
communication network. Independent systems possess their own memory unit and
CPU. Systems. These systems' processors differ in size and function. The major bene it of
working with these types of operating systems is that it is always possible that one user can
access the iles or software which are not present on his system but on some other system
connected within this network, i.e., remote access is enabled within the devices connected to
that network.
 Advantages of Distributed Operating System
 Failure of one will not affect the other network communication, as all systems are
independent of each other.
 Electronic mail increases the data exchange speed.
 Since resources are being shared, computation is highly fast and durable.
 Load on host computer reduces.
 These systems are easily scalable as many systems can be easily added to the network.
 Delay in data processing reduces.
Disadvantages of Distributed Operating System
 Failure of the main network will stop the entire communication.
 To establish distributed systems, the language is not yet well-de ined.
 These types of systems are not readily available as they are very expensive. Not only that the
underlying software is highly complex and not understood well yet.
 Issues With Distributed Operating System
 Networking causes delays in the transfer of data between nodes of a distributed system. Such
delays may lead to an inconsistent view of data located in different nodes and make it dif icult
to know the chronological order in which events occurred in the system.
 Control functions like scheduling, resource allocation and deadlock detection have to be
performed in several nodes to achieve computation speedup and provide reliable operation
when computers or networking components fail.
 Messages exchanged by processes present in different nodes may travel over public networks
and pass through computer systems that are not controlled by the distributed operating
system. An intruder may exploit this feature to tamper with messages or create fake messages
to fool the authentication procedure and masquerade as a user of the system.
Examples:
LOCUS
MICROS
Amoeba

1.6. Network Operating System

These systems run on a server and provide the capability to manage data, users, groups,
security, applications and other networking functions. These types of operating systems allow
shared access to iles, printers, security, applications and other networking functions over a
small private network. One more important aspect of Network Operating Systems is that all
the users are well aware of the underlying con iguration, of all other users within the network,
 their connections, etc. and that’s why these computers are popularly known a tightly coupled
systems.

Advantages of Network Operating System

 Highly stable, centralized servers.
 Security concerns are handled through servers.
 New technologies and hardware upgrades are easily integrated into the system.
 Server access is possible remotely from different locations and types of systems.
Disadvantages of Network Operating System
 Servers are costly.
 The user has to depend on a central location for most operations.
 Maintenance and updates are required regularly.
Examples:
Microsoft Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Windows Server 2008
UNIX, Linux
Mac OS X
Novell NetWare

1.7. Real-Time Operating System

These types of OSs serve real-time systems. The time interval required to process and respond
to inputs is very small. This time interval is called response time. Real-time systems are
 used when there are time requirements that are very strict like missile systems, air traf ic
control systems, robots, etc.
Types of Real-Time Operating Systems
 Hard Real-Time Systems: Hard Real-Time OSs are meant for applications where time
constraints are very strict and even the shortest possible delay is not acceptable. These
systems are built for saving lives like automatic parachutes or airbags which are required to
be readily available in case of an accident. Virtual memory is rarely found in these systems.
 Soft Real-Time Systems: These OSs are for applications where time is less strict.

Advantages of RTOS
 Maximum Consumption: Maximum utilization of devices and systems, thus more output
from all the resources.
 Task Shifting: The time assigned for shifting tasks in these systems is very less. For example,
in older systems, it takes about 10 microseconds to shift from one task to another and in the
latest systems, it takes 3 microseconds.
 Focus on Application: Focus on running applications and give less importance to
applications that are in the queue.
 Real-time operating system in the embedded system: Since the size of programs is small,
RTOS can also be used in embedded systems like in transport and others.
 Error-Free,: These types of systems are error-free.
 Memory Allocation: Memory allocation is best managed in these types of systems.
Disadvantages of RTOS
 Limited Tasks: Very few tasks run at the same time and their concentration is very less on a
few applications to avoid errors.
  Use heavy system resources: Sometimes the system resources are not so good and they are
expensive as well.
 Complex Algorithms: The algorithms are very complex and dif icult for the designer to
write.
 Device driver and interrupt signals: It needs speci ic device drivers and interrupt signals
to respond earliest to interrupts.
 Thread Priority: It is not good to set thread priority, as these systems are much less prone
to switching tasks.
Examples:
Scienti ic experiments
Medical imaging systems
Industrial control systems
Weapon systems
Robots
Air traf ic control systems

1.8. Mobile Operating System

Mobile operating systems are designed speci ically for mobile devices such as smartphones
and tablets. Examples of such operating systems are Android and iOS. These operating
systems manage the hardware and software resources of the device, providing a platform for
running applications and ensuring a seamless user experience.
Advantages of Mobile Operating Systems
 User-Friendly Interfaces: Mobile operating systems are designed to be intuitive and easy to
use, making them accessible to a wide range of users.
 Extensive App Ecosystems: The availability of a vast number of applications allows users to
customize their devices to meet their speci ic needs.
 Connectivity Options: Mobile operating systems support multiple connectivity options,
enabling users to stay connected wherever they go.
 Regular Updates: Mobile operating systems receive regular updates, including new features,
security patches and performance improvements.
Disadvantages Mobile Operating Systems
 Battery Life Constraints: Despite advancements in power management, battery life remains
a challenge for mobile devices, especially with heavy usage.
 Security Risks: Mobile devices are susceptible to various security threats, such as malware
and phishing attacks, which can compromise user data.
 Fragmentation: In the case of Android, the wide range of devices and customizations can
lead to fragmentation, making it dif icult for developers to ensure compatibility across all
devices.
 Limited Hardware Resources: Mobile devices have limited processing power, memory and
storage compared to desktop computers, which can affect the performance of resource-
intensive applications.