Types of Computer Operating Systems

Operating systems can be broadly classified into certain categories. One thing that needs to be kept in mind is that one particular operating system can fall into more than one category. The classification is based on the features that operating systems have.

Multi threading OS
These are the operating systems that allow different parts of the same software to run at the same time. Operating systems like Windows 9X, ME, XP, Vista, 7 and Linux are examples of this type of operating system.

Multitasking OS
If your operating system allows you to run more than one application software at the same time, than it can be classified into this type of operating system. The same operating systems that have been mentioned above can be classified as examples of this type of operating system.

GUI OS
GUI stands for graphical user interface. Those operating systems like Windows 98, XP, ME, Vista, 7 and Linux, which allow users to navigate with the help of a mouse and have graphic representation of every process or application are classified into this type of operating system.

CUI OS
These are operating systems, where you need to learn the commands for working with that particular operating system. MS DOS is one example of this type of operating system. There is a particular command for each process and to bring in variation to the command, you have switches.

Multi-user OS
 Operating systems which allow more than one user to log in to the computer system at the same time and use it, can be classified as multi-user operating system. Linux is an example of this type of operating system, which allows six users to login at the same time and user the operating system.