Operating System: Types, Functions, Features & Examples [Complete Guide 2025]

Introduction

An Operating System (OS) is the fundamental software that connects a computer’s hardware with its application programs. It works as the “central brain” of the system, managing memory, the processor, files, and peripheral devices such as the keyboard, mouse, and printer. Without an OS, a computer cannot perform basic tasks or allow users to interact with the system. Some of the most popular operating systems include Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android.

What is an Operating System?

An Operating System (OS) is a software, which acts as an interface between the end user and computer hardware. Every computer must have at least one OS to run other programs. An application like Chrome, MS Word, Games, etc. needs some environment in which it will run and perform its task. The OS helps you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s language. It is not possible for the user to use any computer or mobile device without having an operating system.

History of Operating System

• Operating System were first developed in the late 1950s to manage tape storage.

• The General Motors research lab implemented the first OS in the early 1950s for their IBM 701.

• In the mid-1960s, operating systems started to use disks.

• In the late 1960s, the first version of the Unix OS was developed.

• The first OS built by Microsoft was DOS.

• The present-day popular OS windows first came to existence in 1985 when a GUI was created and paired with MS-DOS.

How it works

• A computer Operating System manages a computer’s resources, such as its disk space, memory, and peripherals.

• The OS can be thought of as an intermediary between the computer’s hardware and its software. It receives instructions from applications, peripherals, and the hard drive, and carries out these instructions on software, the hard drive, and other peripherals.

Example of Operating System

1. Windows

2. Linux

3. MacOS

4. Android

5. IOS

Objectives of Operating System

1. Operating System allocate resources to processes (Manage Resources).

2. Operating System provide an effective user interface.

3. Operating System manage the input and output.

4. Operating System provides Graphical User Interface (GUI) in the form of menu, icons, and buttons.

5. Operating System manage the interrupts and handle the interrupts etc.

Function of Operating System

1. Memory Management.

2. Processor Management.

3. Device Management.

4. File Management.

5. Security Management.

6. Job Scheduling.

7. Time Sharing.

Memory Management: Memory management module performs the task of allocation and de-allocation of memory space to programs in need of this resource.

Processor Management: The operating system assigns processors to the different tasks that must be performed by the computer system.

Device Management: operating system performs the task of allocation and de-allocation of the devices.

File Management: operating system manages all the file-related activities such as organization storage, retrieval, naming, sharing, and protection of files.

Security Management: Security management function of an operating system helps in implementing mechanisms that secure and protect the computer system internally as well as externally.

Job Scheduling: Job scheduling is the process of allocating system resources to many different tasks by an operating system (OS).

Time Sharing: It co-ordinates and assigns compilers, assemblers, utility programs, and other software packages to various users working on computer system.

Types of Operating System

1. Batch Operating System

4. Time Sharing Operating System

5. Distributed Operating System

7. Network Operating System

8. Real-Time Operating System

Batch Operating System: In a Batch Operating System, the similar jobs are grouped together into batches with the help of some operator and these batches are executed one by one.

Time-Sharing Operating System: In time-sharing operating system each task is given some time to execute so that all the tasks work smoothly.

Distributed Operating System: In a Distributed Operating System, we have various systems and all the systems have their own, CPU, main memory, secondary memory, and resources.

Network Operating System: These systems run on a server and provide the capability to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions.

Real-Time Operating System: In Real Time Operating Systems, each job carries a certain deadline within which the job is supposed to be completed, otherwise the huge loss will be there or even if the result is produced then it will be completely useless.

Importance of an OS in Daily Life

1. Without an OS hardware is useless

2. Enables multitasking (play music + browse web + edit documents)

3. Makes computers user-friendly

Future of Operating System

1. Cloud based OS

2. AI-integrated OS

3. IoT Operating System

4. Allocation of Resources

5. Management of Memory, Security, etc.

Common Operating System in Computers and Servers

• Unix Operating System

• Linux Operating System

• Mac Operating System

• Windows  Operating System

• Disk Operating System   

Operating System as User Interface

1. User

2. System and Application programs

3. Operating System

4. Hardware

Goals of Operating System

1. Convenience

2. Efficiency

3. Both

Conclusion: In summary, the Operating System (OS) plays a vital role as the backbone of every computer system. It not only manages hardware resources and ensures smooth interaction between software and hardware, but also provides users with a friendly environment to perform tasks efficiently. From personal computers to mobile devices and servers, operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android have become essential to modern technology. Understanding the types, functions, and features of an OS is therefore fundamental for anyone studying or working in the field of computer science and information technology.