Types Of Operating System - Content Flashcards
What is an operating system?
An operating system is what coordinates all the operations of your computer. It also controls the software and the hardware whilst managing all of the resources on the computer (CPU and RAM).
What are some examples of types of operating systems?
- Real-time operating systems 
– Single-user single task operating systems
– single-user multitasking operating system
– multi-user operating systems
What is a real-time operating system?
It is a system where input are processed and responded to instantaneously
What are the advantages of using a real-time operating system?
– It provides fast response
– It is best to use when inputs must be processed and responded to immediately.
Examples: traffic light, air traffic control systems and automatic braking systems
What is a single-user single task operating system?
It is a system where one user can use the system at a time and only one application can run at a time.
What are the advantages of using single-user single task operating system?
– It requires fewer resources
– it is best used on devices that have limited processing and memory.
Example: basic mobile phones or a simple handheld game
What is a single-user multitasking operating system?
It is a system where one user can use the system at a time but many applications can run simultaneously.
What are the advantages of using single-user multitasking operating system?
– It allows the user to use several applications at once
– it is best to use on systems where are you they need to be able to switch between application
Example: office workers using desktops
What is a multi user operating system?
It is a system where many users can use the system at the same time and can run many applications simultaneously.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a multi-user operating system?
– Processing and resources can be shared by multiple users
– It is best to use when many users need access to the same process and all resources at the same time
Example: Web servers
What are the factors that affect the performance of an operating system?
– hardware factors
– malware
– virtual memory factors
What are some hardware factors that affect the performance of an operating system?
– Limited RAM capacity
– limited CPU speed
– number of cores
– slow hard disk read and write times (fragmentation)
What are some malware factors which affect the performance of an operating system?
– Viruses
– worms
– spyware
What are some virtual memory factors which affect the performance of an operating system?
– Not enough HDD space allocated to extend RAM
– heavy use of virtual memory relies on slow disc transfer rather than the fast RAM data transfers
