Operating System
The software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.
Types of Operating Systems
- Real-time operating system (RTOS) - Real-time operating systems are used to control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems.
- A multi-user operating system allows multiple users to access a computer system at the same time. Time-sharing systems and Internet servers can be classified as multi-user systems as they enable multiple-user access to a computer through the sharing of time.
- Distributed operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes them appear to be a single computer. The development of networked computers that could be linked and communicate with each other gave rise to distributed computing. Distributed computations are carried out on more than one machine. When computers in a group work in cooperation, they make a distributed system.