The Operating System can be categorised as under:
A single-user operating system is designed to be used by only one user at a time. It provides a platform for an individual to interact with the computer system and execute programs. Examples of single-user operating systems include MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) and Windows 95/98 in their standalone versions. In a single-user operating system, all system resources, such as CPU time, memory, and peripheral devices, are dedicated to the single user currently logged in.
A batch-processing operating system is a type of operating system that executes jobs or tasks in batches without any user interaction. In this type of system, multiple programs or jobs are collected into a batch and processed sequentially without requiring constant user intervention.
A time-sharing operating system, also known as a multitasking operating system, is a type of operating system that allows multiple users to simultaneously share the resources of a computer system. In a time-sharing system, each user gets a small portion of CPU time, enabling them to interact with the system in an interactive and concurrent manner.
A real-time processing operating system, also known as a real-time operating system (RTOS), is a type of operating system designed to handle time-critical applications and processes with strict timing requirements. It is primarily used in systems where timely and deterministic responses are crucial, such as industrial control systems, robotics, aerospace, and medical equipment.
A hard real-time system is a type of real-time computing system where meeting timing constraints is of utmost importance. In a hard real-time system, tasks or processes must be completed within their specified deadlines; otherwise, it can lead to system failure or catastrophic consequences. The timing requirements in hard real-time systems are typically stringent and non-negotiable.
A soft real-time system is a type of real-time computing system where meeting timing constraints is important but occasional violations of timing requirements can be tolerated without catastrophic consequences. Unlike hard real-time systems, soft real-time systems provide a level of flexibility in meeting deadlines, allowing some degree of deviation from the specified timing constraints.