Operating Systems Guide

An Operating System is the pivotal component in the functioning of a computer. It is basically a software program which plays the key role in communicating and operating between the computer hardware and computer software. A computer is actually invalid without an operating system. That is the extent of influence it has on a computer. With the rapid progress and advancement of computers, the operating systems have also been quick to respond to the change by regularly coming up with new operating systems to meet the standards.
The different types of Operating Systems along with a few examples have been listed below with each classified into categories. The operating systems will overlap and will fall into more than one.
GUI(Graphical User Interface) -- A GUI Operating System includes graphics and icons and is usually navigated by using a computer mouse. System 7.x, Windows 98, Windows CE are some examples of GUI Operating Systems.
Multi-user -- A multi-user operating system gives the option to multiple users to use the same computer at the same time. Linux, Unix and Windows 200 are examples of MU.
Multiprocessing -- An operating system which can support and use more than one computer processor. Linux, Unix and Windows 200 are examples of Multiprocessors as well.
Multitasking -- An operating system which can allow multiple software processes to run at the same time like Unix and Windows 2000.
Multithreading -- Operating systems capable of allowing different parts of a software program to run concurrently. Linux, Unix and Windows 2000 again are examples of such.