Operating Systems By-Anoushka Puri What is an Operating System An operating system is an interface between the user and the computer hardware. It is the OS which communicates with the computer hardware and executes the commands of the user. Kinds of Operating Systems There are four kinds of operating systems. They are:- Multi-user, Single Task- A multi-user operating system allows many different users to take advantage of the computer's resources simultaneously. The operating system must make sure that the requirements of the various users are balanced, and that each of the programs they are using has sufficient and separate resources so that a problem with one user doesn't affect the entire community of users. Single-user, Multi-Task This is the type of operating system most people use on their desktop and laptop computers today. Microsoft's Windows and Apple's Mac OS platforms are examples. For example, it's entirely possible for a Windows user to be writing a note in a word processor while downloading a file from the Internet while printing the text of an e- mail message. Single-user, Single-Task This operating system is designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time. The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system. Real Time Operating System Real-time operating systems are used to control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems. An RTOS typically has very little user- interface capability, and no end-user utilities, since the system will be a "sealed box" when delivered for use. DIFFERENT OPERATING SYSTEMS Microsoft Windows Windows is the most widely used Operating System and has the highest gross and market share amongst all other Operating Systems. Windows has the best and easiest to use Graphical User Interface. Windows was first introduced in 1982.Its first version was WINDOWS 1.0. Android Android is an operating system created by Google. Android is the most used operating system in smartphones. Android is an operating system compatible with mostly tablets and smartphones. As of September 2013, Android is being used in more than 71% of the mobile population. Android uses the Google Play Store to enable its users to purchase apps. iOS iOS is the operating system created by Apple, which is used in only Apple devices. The first iOS was unveiled in The latest version of iOS is iOS 7, which released towards the end of iOS, uses the App store for all App purchases. Linux The development of Linux is one of the most prominent examples of free and open source software collaboration. Linux is an example of multi-user, multitasking Operating System. It is used as a server in most offices. A famous professor Andrew Tanenbaum developed LINUX. Linux is very useful large scale computer server. It ushered in a new concept of open source software. Market Shares of OS REFERENCES My references Google images My word doc