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In the introduction phase of computers around 1945 to 1950, there was no operating system so the users of computers interacted directly with the computer which is a tedious process.
Later operating system was developed to make the tasks like process scheduling, memory management etc easier.
We know how computers have developed in each phase starting from vacuum tubes.
Similarly operating systems also have been developed accordingly.
An operating system is basically a program controlling the execution of application programs by acting as an interface between computer users and the hardware of the computer.
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It is considered that the processors give better performance if they have the capability to support the operating system.
Each one of us is using our computers for different purposes. So, to support for many purposes there are many different kinds of operating systems. For example, a scientist needs a different kind of operating system than a student.
Based on the functionality operating systems are classified as Desktops/Laptops, Mainframes, Workstations, Servers, Handheld devices, Embedded Systems, Supercomputers.
Different categories of operating systems are:
Multitasking OS: The operating system lets multiple processes run simultaneously. Examples are Windows 2000 and Unix.
Multithreading OS: The operating system lets some portions of the program run concurrently. Examples are Windows 2000, Unix, Linux.
Multiprocessing OS: The operating system supports two or more processors. Examples are Windows 2000, Unix, Linux
Multi-user OS: The operating System lets multiple users use the same computer simultaneously. Examples are Windows 2000, UNIX, Linux
Real time OS: The operating system handles the real time events. Examples are real time handling situations like emergency response.
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