UNDERSTANDING

OPERATING
SYSTEMS
What, How, and Types
INTRODUCTION TO
OPERATING SYSTEMS
• An operating system (OS) is software that manages
computer hardware and provides services for
computer programs.
FUNCTIONS OF AN
OPERATING SYSTEM
• 1. **Process Management:** Manages processes or tasks running on the
computer.

• 2. **Memory Management:** Allocates and deallocates memory for

programs.

• 3. **File System Management:** Manages files and directories.

• 4. **Device Management:** Controls input and output devices.

• 5. **Security and Protection:** Ensures the security of data and resources .

HOW DOES AN OPERATING
SYSTEM WORK?
• The OS acts as an intermediary between the user and
computer hardware. It manages resources, provides a
user interface, and ensures software-hardware
interaction.
TYPES OF OPERATING
SYSTEMS
• 1. **Single-User, Single-Tasking OS:** Supports one user and one task at a time
(e.g., MS-DOS).
• 2. **Single-User, Multi-Tasking OS:** Allows a single user to run multiple tasks
concurrently (e.g., Windows, macOS).
• 3. **Multi-User OS:** Supports multiple users simultaneously (e.g., UNIX,
Linux).
• 4. **Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):** Meets specific timing constraints
(e.g., embedded systems).
• 5. **Network Operating Systems (NOS):** Manages network resources and
services (e.g., Novell NetWare).
SINGLE-USER, SINGLE-
TASKING OS
• Designed for a single user to perform one task at a
time. Examples include MS-DOS.
SINGLE-USER, MULTI-
TASKING OS
• Allows a single user to perform multiple tasks
simultaneously. Examples include Windows and
macOS.
MULTI-USER OS
• Supports multiple users accessing the system
concurrently. Examples include UNIX and Linux.
REAL-TIME OPERATING
SYSTEMS (RTOS)
• Designed for applications with specific timing
constraints, commonly used in embedded systems.
NETWORK OPERATING
SYSTEMS (NOS)
• Facilitates network resources and provides network
services. Examples include Novell NetWare.
HYBRID OPERATING
SYSTEMS
• Combine features of different types of operating
systems. Example: Android (combining features of
single-user, multi-tasking, and real-time OS).
MOBILE OPERATING
SYSTEMS
• Specialized operating systems for mobile devices,
such as Android (Google) and iOS (Apple).
EMBEDDED OPERATING
SYSTEMS
• Designed for embedded systems, found in appliances,
automobiles, and other non-computer devices.
CH AL L E NG ES IN
O P ERAT ING S YS T EM DE S IG N
• 1. **Security:** Protecting data and resources from
unauthorized access.
• 2. **Reliability:** Ensuring the system operates
without failure.
• 3. **Compatibility:** Supporting a variety of
hardware and software.
• 4. **Performance:** Optimizing resource utilization
and response time.
CONCLUSION
• Understanding operating systems is fundamental for
effective computer use. They serve as a bridge
between users and computer hardware, providing
essential services and functionality.