The basis of personal computer software is the operating system, which is a set of service and system software components that provide human-computer interaction and the execution of other programs. On the one hand, it is closely interconnected with the basic computer software included in the BIOS, however, it itself acts as a support for higher-level programs - the application, as well as most of the application programs. 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 drive and written to RAM, this process is called the download. Due to the fact that now there are many diverse systems focused on solving specific and general problems, it is quite natural that there is a classification of operating systems. Let's give it in a short form.
The classification of operating systems depends on the features of the implementation of control algorithms by areas of use and computer resources. Depending on the processor control algorithm, it is customary to subdivide operating systems into single-task and multi-task, single-processor and multi-processor, single-user and multi-user, network and local.
Classification of operating systems by the number of simultaneously performed tasks: multitask and single-task. Single-tasking systems use file management, peripheral device management , and user interaction tools. For multi-tasking systems, the use of the same tools as for single-tasking is typical, but at the same time 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 and time-sharing systems. 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 can achieve great performance in solving large volumes of tasks, but they reduce the efficiency of user work in interactive mode. Time-sharing systems allocate a small time interval for solving each problem, therefore, no task takes a processor for a long time. With a minimum selected period of time, the appearance of simultaneously performing a number of tasks can be created. With reduced throughput, such systems allow the user to work very interactively. Real-time systems are used to control a technical object or technological process.
Classification of operating systems by the number of concurrent users: multi- and single-user. In multi-user mode, each user has the opportunity to customize the system interface for himself, that is, they have the opportunity to create their own shortcuts, an individual color scheme, and more. In such systems, there are also means of protecting information from access by other users.
The presence of multiprocessing information processing tools in the system is the most important characteristic; such tools are presented in Net Ware, OS / 2, Widows NT.
Since we are used to using the Windows system, you may be worried about its classification. So, the main Windows operating systems that we used for ordinary users are Windows 95, 98, NT, XP, Seven.