Kinds of Operating Systems
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources. There are several types of operating systems, each designed to serve different purposes. Common types include Batch Operating Systems, where jobs are processed in groups without user interaction, and Time-Sharing Operating Systems, which allow multiple users to access a computer system concurrently.
Another major kind is the Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), used where time constraints are strict, such as in embedded systems or medical devices. Distributed Operating Systems manage a group of independent computers and make them appear to the users as a single system. Network Operating Systems support networking functions like file sharing, while Mobile Operating Systems, like Android or iOS, are optimized for smartphones and tablets.
As per Section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, computer output (including that generated through an OS) is legally admissible, indicating the importance of reliable and recognized operating systems in legal and evidentiary contexts. Thus, understanding the types of OS is not only critical from a technical perspective but also relevant for legal compliance and forensic investigations.
Mnemonic
Mnemonic to Remember OS Types:
“Big Tigers Run Down Narrow Mountains”
- B – Batch OS
- T – Time-sharing OS
- R – Real-time OS
- D – Distributed OS
- N – Network OS
- M – Mobile OS
