3-4-2 Types of Operating Systems

Interactive OS

Example: Home Computer

• The user interacts directly with the system.
  
• The user supplies commands and data
  
• The results of processing are given to the user immediately.

Real-Time OS

Example: The Eden Project- uses a real-time operating system on the computers to monitor and control the environment in the green houses.

• when an input is received it is processed in a timely manner.
  
• The output can affect the source of the inputs, so has to happen quickly.

Network OS

Example: The college operating system

• This is a layer of software that is added to the operating system of a computer.
  
• It allows a computer to be connected to a network and hides the complexity of the network from the user.

Server OS

Example: File server, print server

• Provides a specialised service to client machines on a network.
  
• Results in a better performance

Desktop OS

Example: Home computer

A general purpose operating system.

Embedded OS

Example: Operating system to control a DVD player

Placed inside a larger machine for the purpose of controlling the machine. .

Mobile device OS

Example: OS for mobiles, MP3 players etc.

• Usually work in real time to cope with multimedia activity.
  
• Limited processing power and memory.
  
• May need to cope with maintaining a network connection that can vary in strength due to the mobility of the device.