An operating system is system software that makes an interface between the user and hardware. It manages the computer resources and provides services to users. There are different types of operating systems which are following:
Table of Contents
Batch Operating System
In this operating system, the user does not directly interact with the computer and prepare his job on an offline mode and submit it to the computer operator. The users leave their programs with the computer operator and the operator then sorts the programs with similar requirements into the batches.

The problems with Batch OS are as follows −
- No interaction between the user and job.
- Idle time of CPU is very low
- Fewer chances to get the desired priority.
Time-sharing Operating System
It is a technique that enables many users, located at various terminals, to use a computer system at the same time.

Advantages of Time-sharing OS are as follows −
- Provides the advantage of quick response.
- Lesser chances of duplication of software.
- CPU idle time easily reduced.
Disadvantages of Time-sharing OS are as follows −
- The problem of reliability.
- No security of user data.
- The problem of data communication.
Distributed Operating System
It uses multiple CPUs or central processors to serve multiple real-time applications and multiple users. Then, processing jobs are given to processors accordingly. In this OS, the processor can communicate with each other using buses.

Advantages of Distributed OS are:
- Every CPU is independent and failure of one will not affect other
- Processing Speed Increases
- Highly Scalable
Disadvantages of Distributed OS are:
- User data is not secure due to sharing
- For large data, it requires .costly bandwidth
- Overloading problem
Networking Operating System
It runs over a server and provides the server the capability to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The primary purpose of the network OS is to allow shared file and printer access among multiple computers.

Example – Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, macOS X, Linux, etc.
Advantages of Network OS are:
- File Server can be accessed remotely.
- Highly stable.
- Easy to get new updates
Disadvantages of Network OS are:
- Costly to setup
- The user is dependent on the server
Real-time Operating System
It is defined as a data processing system in which the time interval required to process and respond to all the inputs is so small that it controls the environment. The time taken by the system to respond to an input and display output is termed as the response time. The response time in this OS is very less as compared to online processing.
There are two types of RTOS which are:
- Hard real-time systems
- Soft real-time systems