An Operating System is a system software that acts as an interface between the user of a computer and the computer hardware. A system software is a software that operates the computer hardware, while computer hardware is the physical/tangible components of a computer.
Types of Operating Systems
Operating systems are divided into various types, each designed for specific task and environment. Some of the most common types of Operating systems include the following;
Batch Operating System
This is an OS which receives jobs and executes them in batches/groups without the user interaction. The OS groups similar job together to process them efficiently.
Examples include: Early mainframe systems like the IBM OS/360
Time sharing Operating System (Multitasking OS)
This is an OS which allow users to share computer resources by dividing the CPU(Central Processing Unit) among users.
Examples include: UNIX, Linux
Distributed Operating System
This is an OS which manages a group of independent computers and make them appear as a single system, allowing resources to be shared across multiple machines.
Examples include: Google’s Chrome OS, Apache Hadoop and Amoeba.
Network Operating System
This is an OS designed to manage network resources such as file sharing, printer sharing and user management across multiple computers. They commonly run of servers.
Examples include: Microsoft Windows Server, Linux-based servers.
Mobile Operating System
This is an OS designed to run specifically on smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices.
Examples include: Android, iOS and Harmony OS.
Embedded Operating System
This is an OS designed for specialized hardware and is optimized for specific tasks.
Examples include: Windows embedded, iOS, Android.
Other types of Operating Systems include:
Multi-programming Operating System
Multiprocessing Operating System
Single user/Single tasking operating system
Open source Operating system
Proprietary Operating System
Virtual Machine Operating System etc.
Common examples of Operating Systems
Some of the most commonly used Operating Systems include the following:
Microsoft Windows
Windows is a family of Proprietary Operating Systems developed by Microsoft.
Its the most widely used Operating system for personal computers and laptops, almost every laptop comes reloaded with Windows.
Versions include: Windows 10, Windows 11, Microsoft Windows Server (for enterprise) etc
Key Features
User friendly Graphical User Interface(GUI)
Support for wide range of software and hardware.
Integrated with Microsoft Office, Edge browser and other Microsoft Services.
Regular updates and security patches.
Use Cases
Personal computing, gaming and Office work.
Enterprise environments (Windows server for networking and data management).
MacOS
This is a proprietary operating system developed by Apple Inc for its Macintosh line of computers.
Version: MacOS Ventura, MacOS Monterey, MacOS Big Sur.
Key Features
Sleek and intuitive user interface.
Tight integration with Apple ecosystem (iPhone, iPad, Apple watch).
Built in apps like Safari, iMessage and Facetime.
Strong focus on security and privacy.
Based on Unix’s Darwin kernel.
Use Cases
Creative professionals (Graphic design, Video editing).
General purpose computing for Apple users.
Linux
This is an open source Unix like operating system kernel. It has various distributions (distros) bundling the kernel with software to create the complete operating system.
Popular distros: Ubuntu, Debian, Kali Linux, Fedora, CentOS etc.
Key Features
Open source and freely customizable.
Strong security and stability.
Supports and wide range of architectures.
Large community support and extensive documentation.
Highly modular and lightweight.
Use Cases
Used in servers, cloud computing and development environments.
Used in personal computing for tech savvy users.
Used in embedded systems and IoTs.
Android
This is a mobile operating system based on the linux kernel, developed by Google. Its the most widely used operating system for smartphones and tablets.
Key Features
It is open source with proprietary components from google.
Integrated with Google services such as Gmail, Google Maps Play Store etc.
Has a customizable user interface (UI)
Use Cases
Used in smartphones, tablets and smart TVs.
Used in IoT devices and wearable.
iOS
This is a mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc for its iPhone and iPad devices.
Versions include: iOS 16, iOS 15
Key Features
Its optimized for touch based devices.
Tight integration with Apple ecosystem (Mac, Apple watch, AirPods).
High level of security and privacy
Has App store with vast selection of apps.
Closed source and proprietary.
Known for smooth operation and user experience.
Use Cases
iPhone, iPad, iPod touch devices.
Enterprise applications and mobile development.