Functions of OS

• Process Management – OS can control the planning, monitoring the performance of CPU by process management.
• File management – All data file in a computer system, its execution and coping files from secondary memory to primary memory control by File management.
• Device management – OS manages the operation and maintenance of input/output devices to user and among themselves.

Types Of Operating System

• Batch Processing Operating System – All the jobs are put together and executed as a group in the OS and schedule the jobs according to priority and resource required, e.g., Unix
• Single User Operating System – OS for personal computer is a single user OS which allows one user at a time and one task at a time, e.g MS-Dos.
• Multi User Operating System – Multiple users can access a computer system and used in a network system where same data and application can be accessed by multiple users at the same time, e.g VMS.
• Multi-Tasking Operating System – More than one process can be executed and user can switch between the running applications, e.g, Linux, Unix, Windows.
• Time Sharing Operating System – Computer resources can be shared simultaneously by multiple program, e.g, Mac, DOS.
• Real Time Operating System – OS are designed such a way that it will response to a event within a pre-determined time. In some cases all the tasks are required to be completed within the specified time limit and in some cases don’t require.

User Interface

In user interface , user can interact with the computer by the system. By user interface, user can easily access and communicate with the application and the hardware.

• Graphical user interface (GUI) – It enables a person to communicate with a computer by symbols, icons, visual metaphors and pointing devices. Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Ubuntu Unity for desktop environments and Android, Apple’s iOS, BlackBerry OS, Windows 10 Mobile for smartphones.
• Character User interface (CUI) – CUI is a mechanism of interacting with a computer system or software by giving commands (text type) to perform specific tasks. It is also known as Command Line Interface (CLI).
• Stand-Alone Operating System – It is a complete operating system which works on a desktop computer, Notebook computer and mobile computing devices. It is also called client operating system because it also work with a server operating system. It can operate with or without network. Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linus are the examples.
• Embedded Operating System – It operates in a different kind of machines, e.g. cars, traffic lights, ATMs, Point of Sales (POS) terminals etc. It’s application are limited because only single operation run.

MOBILE OPERATING SYSTEM

• It controls mobile devices and its design supports wireless communication and different types of mobile applications.
• Android – Google developed it and based on linux and normally used for touch screen mobile design by design.
• iOS – Developed by Apple incorporation and used in Apple products.
• Black Berry — Developed by Black Berry company used in smartphones.
• Windows phone — Developed by Microsoft for smartphones.