1.2.1.5 Types of Operating System

Question 1

What are 5 types of OS?

Answer 1

• Distributed
• Embedded
• Multi-tasking
• Multi-user
• Real Time

Question 2

What is a Distributed Operating System?

Answer 2

• The operating system is spread over multiple computer servers on a network, acting as a single system to parallel process a job.
• This is a type of operating system which is run across multiple devices, allowing the load to be spread across multiple computer processors when a task is run.

Question 3

What is an Embedded Operating System?

Answer 3

• A specialized operating system with limited resources and functionality, built in to control a single machine.
• Built to perform a small range of specific tasks, this operating system is catered towards a specific device.
• They are limited in their functionality and hard to update although they consume significantly less power than other types of OS.

Question 4

What is a Multi-tasking Operating System?

Answer 4

• Multi-tasking operating systems enable the user to carry out tasks seemingly
  simultaneously.
• This is done by using time slicing to switch quickly between programs and applications in memory.

Question 5

What is a Multi-user Operating System?

Answer 5

• An operating system consisting of one mainframe computer with multiple terminals that allow multiple users to access the computer’s resources.

-Each user is given a time slice of the mainframe processor.

• Multiple users make use of one computer, typically a supercomputer, within a
  multi-user system.
• Therefore a scheduling algorithm must be used to ensure processor time is shared fairly between jobs.
• Without a suitable scheduling
  algorithm, there is a risk of processor starvation, which is when a process is
  not given adequate processor time to execute and complete.

Question 6

What is a Real Time Operating System?

Answer 6

• An Operating System where data is processed as it comes, with responses generated with a guaranteed time frame.
• Commonly used in time-critical computer systems, a real time OS is designed to perform a task within a guaranteed time frame.
• Examples of use include: The management of control rods at a nuclear power station
  Within self-driving cars
• Any situation where a response within a certain time period is crucial to safety.