types of operating systems

Question 1

what are operating systems

Answer 1

• coordinates/manages resources on computer e.g. RAM and CPU

Question 2

real time operating systems (RTOS)

Answer 2

• when inputs are processed and responded to instantly
• provides fast response
• best used where inputs must be processed and responded to immediately e.g. traffic lights

Question 3

single user single task operating systems

Answer 3

• where one user can use the system at a time on one application at a time
• requires fewer resources
• best used on devices that have limited processing and memory e.g. basic phones

Question 4

single user multitasking operating systems

Answer 4

• when one user use the system at a time but many applications running
• allows user to use several applications at once
• best used on systems where a user needs to be able to switch between applications

Question 5

multi- user operating systems

Answer 5

• many users can use the systems whilst on several applications
• processing and resources can be shared by multiple users
• best used where many users need access to the same resources at the same time e.g. web servers

Question 6

factors affecting performance

Answer 6

• limited CPU speed/limited RAM capacity
• slow hard disk drives
• viruses/worms/spyware
• heavy use of virtual memory relies on slow disc transfers than fast RAM data transfers