Know and understand differences between types of operating systems

Published by Patrick Mutisya · 14 days ago

ICT 0417 – Types and Components of Computer Systems: Operating Systems

1. Types and Components of Computer Systems

Operating Systems (OS)

An operating system is system software that manages computer hardware, provides services to application software, and offers an interface for users. Understanding the different types of operating systems helps learners appreciate how computers are tailored for various tasks.

Key Functions of an Operating System

  • Resource management – CPU, memory, storage, and I/O devices.

  • File system organization and access control.

  • Provision of a user interface (CLI or GUI).

  • Execution of application programs and multitasking.

  • Security and protection of data.

Major Categories of Operating Systems

  1. Batch Operating Systems

  2. Time‑Sharing (Multi‑User) Operating Systems

  3. Real‑Time Operating Systems

  4. Network Operating Systems

  5. Desktop Operating Systems

  6. Mobile Operating Systems

Comparison of Operating System Types

Type of OSTypical UseUser InteractionMultitaskingExamples
Batch OSLarge mainframe computers processing jobs in groupsNone – jobs are submitted on punched cards or filesSequential (no interactive multitasking)IBM OS/360 (historical)
Time‑Sharing OSShared mainframes and minicomputers for many usersInteractive via terminalsPre‑emptive multitasking, each user gets a time sliceUNIX, Multics
Real‑Time OS (RTOS)Control systems, embedded devices, industrial automationOften no direct UI; tasks are triggered by eventsDeterministic multitasking with strict timing guaranteesVxWorks, QNX, RTLinux
Network OSServers and workstations that share resources over a networkGUI or CLI, plus network management toolsSupports multiple concurrent network usersWindows Server, Novell NetWare, Samba (Linux)
Desktop OSPersonal computers for individual usersGraphical User Interface (GUI) is standardPre‑emptive multitasking, multi‑user (single‑user focus)Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora)
Mobile OSSmartphones, tablets, wearable devicesTouch‑oriented GUI, voice assistantsOptimised multitasking for limited resourcesAndroid, iOS, HarmonyOS

Key Differences Between Common Desktop Operating Systems

FeatureMicrosoft WindowsmacOSLinux (e.g., Ubuntu)
Kernel TypeHybrid (NT kernel)Hybrid (XNU)Monolithic (Linux kernel)
LicensingProprietary, commercialProprietary, commercialOpen‑source, free (GPL)
Default File SystemNTFSAPFSExt4 (default for most distros)
Software EcosystemBroad commercial software supportStrong creative‑industry tools, limited gamingExtensive open‑source applications, command‑line tools
Security ModelUser Account Control, Windows DefenderSandboxed apps, GatekeeperPermission‑based, frequent security updates
Typical Use CasesBusiness, gaming, educationDesign, media production, educationServers, development, scientific computing

Why the Choice of Operating System Matters

Choosing the appropriate OS influences performance, compatibility, security, and user productivity. For example, a real‑time OS is essential for a medical ventilator where timing is critical, whereas a desktop OS like Windows is preferred for office productivity due to its extensive software library.

Suggested diagram: Hierarchical classification of operating systems showing categories (Batch, Time‑Sharing, Real‑Time, Network, Desktop, Mobile) and examples under each.

Quick Revision Checklist

  • Identify the main purpose of each OS type.

  • Recall at least two examples for each OS category.

  • Compare Windows, macOS, and Linux on kernel type, licensing, and typical use.

  • Explain why a real‑time OS differs from a desktop OS in task scheduling.