Page 11 - iPro_trackGPT_V5_Class8
P. 11
TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
There are various types of operating systems, each with its own specific features. They can be
grouped based on how they control the computer and the types of applications they support.
Let’s take a quick look at the different types of operating systems.
Single-user Operating System: This type of operating system allows only one person to use
the computer at a time. An example of a single-user operating system is DOS. It’s like having
a computer that only one person can use at once, which was common in older computers.
Multi-processing Operating System: This type of operating system uses more than one
CPU to manage the computer's tasks. The CPUs work together to improve performance and
allow the computer to run multiple processes concurrently. For example, modern servers
and high-performance computing systems often use multi-processing operating systems to
efficiently manage a large number of tasks.
Multi-tasking Operating System: A multi-tasking operating system allows you to perform
several tasks at the same time, such as browsing the web while listening to music. All tasks
share the CPU’s processing power, and you can switch between them as needed. Common
examples include Windows 11, macOS, UNIX, and various Linux distributions. These systems
can handle multiple applications and processes simultaneously.
Multi-user Operating System: This type of operating systems allow multiple users to access
and use a single computer simultaneously. This is achieved by creating separate user accounts
for each individual, ensuring that their data and activities remain private. For example, in
schools or offices, multiple users can work on the same system.
Real-Time Operating System: This operating system is designed to do tasks quickly and
within a set time. It’s often used in machines, instruments, and industrial systems where timing
is crucial, like in robotics or automatic controls in factories.
Distributed Operating System: This type of operating system manages a group of
independent computers as if they were a single system. These computers can be geographically
distributed and interconnected through a network. It allows multiple computers to share
resources like memory and processing power.
WHAT IS A USER INTERFACE?
A User Interface (UI) is the part of an operating system that lets you interact with the computer. It
includes commands, menus, and icons that make it easier to use the computer. A well-designed
UI makes the operating system not only look good but also simple and easy to use. With
advancements in technology, modern UIs often include touch gestures, voice commands, and
even virtual assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, making interaction even simpler. There are
two main types of user interfaces: Character User Interface (CUI) and Graphical User Interface
(GUI). Let’s explore these in more detail.
Operating System 9

