An operating system is a vital collection of programs that manage computer resources, provide user interfaces, and run applications. It can be categorized into embedded, network, and stand-alone systems, each with specific functions and use cases. Real-time operating systems focus on minimizing latency and ensuring timely task completion, while Linux is highlighted as a powerful, free, and open-source option.

1. Operating System is a collection of programs that handle many of
technical details Related to using a computer. In many ways ,an
operating system is most important type of computer program.
Without it your computer would be useless.
Definition:-Operating system are program that manages resources,
provide user interface, and run applications.

2. (a)Managing Resources:- These program coordinate all the computer’s resources
including memory,
Processing, storage, and device such as printers and monitors.
(b)Providing user interface:- user interact with application programs and computer
hardware through user interface. Many older operating system used a “character
based interface”. In this user communicated with the operating system through the
written commands. almost all newer operating system use a “graphical user
interface(GUI)”
GUI:-It displays graphical elements called ‘icon’ to represent familiar objects and a
mouse. Mouse controls a pointer on the screen that is used to select the item such
as icons.
(c)Running applications:-These programs load and run application such as word
processor and spreadsheets. Most operating system support multitasking in which
we can open many windows can run and load. In single task operating system we
can open only one window at a time and run the program.

3. Icons: Graphic representation for a program or function.
Pointer: Controlled by a mouse and changes shape depending upon its
current function.
Windows: Rectangular areas for displaying information and running
program.
Menus: Provide a list optional or commands.
Dialog boxes: Provide information or request input.
Help: Provide online assistance for operating system functions and
procedures.

4. Embedded Operating system: This operating system is used for
handheld computers and in smaller device such as PDA’s. The entire
operating system is stored within or embedded in the device. Programs of
this system is stored in ROM.
Example of this operating system are Windows CE.NET and palm
operating system
Network Operating system: This is used to control and coordinate
computers that are networked or linked together.
Many networks are small and connect only a limited number of
microcomputer. Other networks like those at colleges and university are
very large and complex networks. This is located on one of the connected
computers hard disk called network server .
EX: NetWare, Windows NT server, Windows XP server.
Stand-alone Operating system: Also called as Desktop operating system
and located on computers hard disk.
Ex : Mac OS, Windows and some version of UNIX.

5. •A real time operating system intended for real time application.
•A real time operating system offers programmers more control over
process priorities.
•Minimize critical section of system code so that application
interruption is nearly critical.
•A key characteristic of a real time OS is the level of its consistency
concerning the amount of time it takes to accept and complete an
application task.
•Key factors in real time OS are minimal interrupt latency and minimal
thread switching latency.

6. •Their development is one of the prominent example of open and free
software collaboration.
•Linux is a free open source operating system based on Unix.
•Linux is free to download, edit and distribute it is very powerful
operating system.
•Linux was originally created by LinusTorvalds.

7. •Low Cast
•Stability
•Performance
•Network
•Flexibility
•Compatibility
•Multitasking
•Security