Types of operating systems

Grade 11 refines the OS picture: how single-user, multi-user, network and embedded systems differ, and what that means for real deployments.

• Single-user (desktop) OS serves one person at a time; multi-user/server OS serves many simultaneously.
• Network operating systems manage shared resources, users and security for a whole LAN.
• Embedded and real-time OSs run appliances and machines with strict timing needs.
• Mobile OSs prioritise touch, sensors, power management and app sandboxing.
• Licensing: proprietary vs open-source affects cost, support and customisation.

• Multi-user — several users working on one system at the same time.
• Sandboxing — isolating apps so they cannot interfere with each other.