Classification of operating systems

The basis of personal computer software is the operating system, which is a complex of service and system software components that provide human-computer interaction and execution of other programs. On the one hand, it is closely interlinked with the basic computer software included in the BIOS, but it itself acts as a support for higher-level programs - applied, as well as most applications. For the computer to work, the presence of an operating system on its hard drive is a prerequisite. When you turn on the device, it is read from the hard disk and written to RAM, this process is called download. In connection with the fact that now there are many different systems that are oriented towards solving specific and common problems, it is quite natural that there is a classification of operating systems. Let's give it a brief summary.

Classification of operating systems depends on the features of implementation of control algorithms by areas of use and computer resources. Depending on the algorithm of processor control, it is common to subdivide operating systems into single-task and multitask, single-processor and multiprocessor, single-user and multi-user, network and local.

Classification of operating systems by the number of simultaneously performed tasks: multitasking and single-tasking. Single-tasking systems use file management, management of peripheral devices, as well as means of communication with users. For multitasking systems, the same tools are used as for single-tasking, but they control the sharing of resources used together: RAM, processor, external devices and files.

Types of operating systems by areas of multitasking: data processing systems in batch mode, real-time systems and time-sharing. The main purpose of batch processing systems is to solve problems that do not require quick results. Their main goal is to solve the greatest number of tasks per unit of time or maximum throughput. Such systems allow you to achieve high performance in solving large volumes of tasks, but they reduce the effectiveness of user work in the mode of interactivity. Time-sharing systems allocate a small time interval for solving each task, so no task for a long time does not take the processor. With a minimum selected time interval, the visibility of a number of tasks can be created simultaneously. With a decrease in bandwidth, such systems allow the user to work very efficiently interactively. Real-time systems are used to control a technical object or process.

Classification of operating systems by the number of concurrent users: multi- and single-user. In multi-user, each user has the opportunity to customize the interface of the system, that is, they have the ability to create their own shortcuts, an individual scheme of colors, and so on. In such systems there are also means of protecting information from access by other users.

The availability of multiprocessor information processing in the system is the most important characteristic, such tools are presented in NetWare, OS / 2, Widows NT.

Since we are accustomed to using the Windows system, you can worry about its classification. So, the basic Windows operating systems that we used for ordinary users are Windows 95, 98, NT, XP, Seven.