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Classifications of Operating Systems

The document classifies operating systems into five categories: multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Each category is defined with key features, advantages, and examples, highlighting their functionalities and applications. The classifications emphasize the systems' capabilities in resource management, task handling, and responsiveness in various environments.

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136 views3 pages

Classifications of Operating Systems

The document classifies operating systems into five categories: multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, and real-time operating systems (RTOS). Each category is defined with key features, advantages, and examples, highlighting their functionalities and applications. The classifications emphasize the systems' capabilities in resource management, task handling, and responsiveness in various environments.

Uploaded by

Teacher Campbell
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Classifications of Operating Systems

1. Multi-user Operating Systems

Definition: Allow multiple users to access the system resources simultaneously. These systems
are designed to handle user requests in a way that ensures resource availability and security.

Key Features:

 Supports multiple users logged in simultaneously (e.g., via terminals or over a network).
 Provides user account management and data security.
 Ensures fair allocation of CPU time and other resources.

Examples:

 Unix/Linux systems
 Windows Server editions
 Mainframe systems like IBM z/OS

2. Multiprocessing Operating Systems

Definition: Capable of supporting and utilizing more than one CPU or processor. These systems
split tasks across multiple processors to increase efficiency.

Key Features:

 Symmetric Multiprocessing (SMP): All processors share the same memory and I/O
resources.
 Asymmetric Multiprocessing (AMP): Each processor is assigned a specific task.

Advantages:

 Faster processing through parallelism.


 Improved fault tolerance (some tasks can continue if one processor fails).

Examples:

 Unix/Linux
 Windows Server
 macOS (with multicore CPU support)
3. Multitasking Operating Systems

Definition: Allow multiple tasks or processes to run concurrently on a single processor by


efficiently managing time-sharing.

Types:

 Preemptive Multitasking: The operating system determines task-switching.


 Cooperative Multitasking: Tasks voluntarily yield control back to the operating system.

Key Features:

 Efficient CPU time allocation.


 Background and foreground task processing.

Examples:

 Windows
 macOS
 Android/iOS

4. Multithreading Operating Systems

Definition: Enable multiple threads (smaller, independent tasks) of a single process to run
concurrently, sharing the same resources.

Key Features:

 Threads within the same process can share memory and data.
 Reduced overhead compared to creating multiple processes.
 Faster context switching between threads than processes.

Applications:

 Web servers managing multiple client requests.


 Video games where different threads handle rendering, AI, and input.

Examples:

 Java Virtual Machine (JVM) environments


 Modern operating systems like Windows, Linux, macOS
5. Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Definition: Designed to process data and respond to input within a guaranteed time frame.
Commonly used in time-critical applications.

Types:

 Hard Real-Time: Deadlines are strict; missing one can lead to system failure.
 Soft Real-Time: Deadlines are important but not critical.

Key Features:

 Deterministic response time.


 Often designed for embedded systems.
 Minimal latency and high reliability.

Applications:

 Medical devices (e.g., pacemakers).


 Automotive systems (e.g., anti-lock braking systems).
 Robotics and industrial automation.

Examples:

 VxWorks
 FreeRTOS
 QNX

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