Thread: Types of Operating Systems

Depending on the application, one can choose between two types of OSs. One is RTOS, or real time operating systems like VxWorks or uITRON. These essentially consist of a real time kernel which provides memory management, scheduling and interrupt handling. Protocol stacks, GUIs and other middleware and applications are usually not a part of these OSs. Typical applications include low end phones and mission critical applications in defence and aerospace.



The other type is a High Level OS, which has features resembling desktopcomputers. These mayor may not have a real time kernel, but usually include protocol stacks, middleware, rich GUI, and many applications. They provide elaborate memory management (virtual memory), scheduling, multitasking and interrupt handling. They are used in feature rich phones and other hand held devices. Examples include Microsoft Windows CE/Windows Mobile, Symbian, Embedded Linux, etc.