Types of OS Flashcards
What is a Distributed OS?
allows multiple computers, resources or processors on a network to work together on the same problem and be treated as a single system
+ : shares processing and data between different systems on a network to reduce bottle necks
bottle neck - overloaded network and state of computing device in which one component is unable to keep up with rest of the system
What is an Embedded OS?
built in device often with limited resources/functionality
built to perform a small range of specific tasks, and catered towards a specific device.
+ : consumes significantly less power than other types of OS
- : hard to update
what is a Multi-tasking OS?
enables user to carry out tasks seemingly simultaneously
done using time slicing/round robin, to switch quickly between programs and applications in memory
+ : user can switch between different programs available in different windows for example play music whilst typing an essay
What is a Multi-user OS?
one computer with many terminals allowing more than one user to access computers resources at same time
requires scheduling algorithm to be used to ensure processor time is shared fairly between jobs - without a suitable one, there is a risk of processor starvation (when processes are not given an adequate processor time to execute and complete)
each terminal is given a small time slice. uses flags and priorities or privileges.
security provisions is essential to user rights so data is separated. used in e.g. supermarket checkout system, online gamin and in mainframe serving many terminals
