Different types of operating systems available for the users

Effectively multitasking and ambiguously handling a plethora of tasks at the same time. These are some of the most practical advantages of operating systems. 

Taking the world by storm, Google's Android operating system is currently present in the majority of households across the globe. 

But, when we consider laptops and desktops, Windows and Mac are no less of a competition for Google. 

The single-user operating system is believed to be the most commonly used OS but that is simply not the case. 

We also have the multiprogramming os which acts as an interface for multiple users and processors at the same time. 

In this blog, we are going to give you in-depth knowledge of the different types of operating systems that are known and available till date to users. 

Different types of operating systems available for the users

Operating systems are basically interfaces that allow the user to interact with the components and software of the computer. 

Software and applications such as MS Office, Browsers, and Notepad need an environment to execute their tasks which is facilitated by the operating system. 

All sorts of computing devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets, and mobile devices conduct their operations using an operating system. 

With that said, check out the attributes of the different types of operating systems that are most popular:

Batch Operating System

There are certain types of operating systems that take longer to process than others. The process gets extremely time-consuming and lengthy due to which, several processors are batched together to form a single unit. 

This type of operating system is commonly known as the Batch operating system. The key factor to note about this type is that the user never directly interacts with the operating system directly. 

In order to function at a sound and stable work speed, the users have to compile the data and structures offline. Afterward, they use a punch card to submit the data to the computer operator.

Multitasking Operating System

Also commonly known as the time-sharing operating system has been designed to facilitate the utilization of the system by multiple users at the same time. 

What this means is that single users can access the operating system sitting at different terminals or shells of the same computer system. 

The CPU of the computer system also referred to as the processor time, when accessed by multiple users is known as time sharing. 

Real-time Operating System

The real-time OS is efficient for conducting operations at a relatively faster pace, within short durations of time. 

These operating systems are used for conducting operations for high-profile organizations such as the military, space organizations, etc. 

Examples of these operating systems are Space software systems, Military software systems amongst others. 

Distributed Operating system

In order to provide fast computation for the users, the distributed operating system makes use of multiple processors that are located within several machines. 

Since the processor of the operating system has been plugged into different locations and machines, it is commonly known as the distributed operating system. 

Network Operating System

Running on a server, the network operating system is capable of managing users, data, security, applications, groups, and other networking functions. 

This operating system is responsible for running the software and other programs within your PC such as the web browser, Adobe Photoshop, paint, and other applications. 

Mobile Operating System

While we are on the subject of operating systems, let us briefly discuss the operating system that we use almost 24/7.

These operating systems are designed to power phones, tablets, and other wearable devices. Examples of some of the most popular mobile operating systems are iOS and Android. 

We also have the Watch OS, Web, and BlackBerry some of the lesser-known mobile Operating Systems. 

Those were all the common types of operating systems that facilitate the usage of software resources and a plethora of computer programs. 

Operating systems used in PCs and Laptops have clearly come a long way. With newer updates and features computer systems now have the capacity to power multiple systems at the same time. 

With the advent of newer generations of computers, the operating systems are also being modified to boot newer programs and manage the latest software architecture of the computer devices. 

Let us take a look at some of the most commonly known computer operating systems:

Linux:

Based on Linux Kernel, this is an open-source operating system that is closely related to Unix. This operating system first came into use back in 1991 when it was developed by Linus Torvalds. 

The Linux operating system is commonly used in file servers, database servers, and multithreading applications. This operating system is particularly suited for all the different types of servers and applications. 

Mac OS:

Marketed by the Apple team back in 2001, we have the Mac OS which is also related to Unix. This is the primary operating system for all Mac computers designed by Apple. 

Mac OS12 Monterey is the latest edition of the Mac operating system which was launched quite recently in 2021.

There are distinguished notable features and improved updates that are unique to the Mac OS12 Monterey. 

Windows:

Being a cumulation of multiple generations of graphically powered operating systems, Windows is a creation of the infamous Microsoft Corporation first developed in the year 1985.

The active windows family supports Windows NT and a huge section of the IoT devices that are available presently in the market. 

As of 2021, the latest Windows Update i.e Windows 11 OS has been made available to the public. Any PC that fits the minimum requirements and criteria is now eligible for updating to the Windows 11 OS. 

Wrapping Up

Did you know that despite being the most commonly used OS across the globe, the Windows 8 operating system is being used by merely 2.9% of the global population? 

Regardless, operating systems are the backbone of computer software are other applications.

So far with the enthralling advancement in technology, we are not only able to enjoy single-user operating systems but, multiprogramming operating systems as well.