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Difference between Time-Sharing and Real-Time Operating System

Time-Sharing and Real-Time operating systems are two types of operating systems that may be distinguished in various ways. The time-sharing operating system mainly performs general tasks, whereas the real-time operating system performs specific tasks. The main difference between these operating systems is that time-sharing operating systems focus on providing a fast response to the subrequest. On the other side, the real-time operating system (RTOS) is focused on performing a task in time.

In this article, you will learn the differences between Time-Sharing and Real-Time operating system. But before discussing the differences, you will need to learn about the Time-Sharing and Real-Time operating system.

What is a Time-Sharing operating system?

A time-sharing operating system allows several users to use a computer system from various locations simultaneously. An operating system is a program that makes a connection between the user and the system hardware. The time-sharing operating system is built on multiprogramming concepts, in which multiple jobs are completed simultaneously by constantly switching between them. Its switching is lightning quick, allowing users to interact with every program because it runs without sharing the system.

Time-sharing systems use an interactive computer system to allow direct interaction between the user and the system. The term ‘interactive’ refers to the user’s direct instructions to the system or program via an input device. The results will be shown on the output devices by the system. The results are generated faster, and the response time must be shorter than one second.

The time-sharing operating system allows several users to share computer resources simultaneously. Each user takes less CPU time because each command or action in a time-shared system is short. The time-sharing operating systems use strategic CPU scheduling and multiprogramming to offer every user a small time-shared system. Every user interacts with at least one separate program in memory during execution, known as a process.

Advantages and disadvantages of Time-Sharing Operating System

There are various advantages and disadvantages of a time-sharing operating system. These are as follows:

Advantages

There are various advantages of a time-sharing operating system. Some of them are as follows:

1. It helps to reduce the CPU idle time.
2. It offers the benefits of a fast response.
3. It avoids the duplication of software.
4. Each job gets an equal opportunity.

Disadvantages

There are various disadvantages of a time-sharing operating system. Some of them are as follows:

1. Data communication happens in the time-sharing operating system.
2. It has the problem of reliability.

What is a Real-Time operating system?

A real-time operating system is a type of operating system designed to serve real-time applications that process data as it arrives. It completes a task within a specific time. The logical result of computation and the time required to produce the result determine the correctness of the system output. It includes methods for real-time task scheduling. It is primarily used on embedded systems. It is highly useful for timing applications or activities that are performed within a particular time limit. It uses strict time limits to drive task execution in an external environment.

Real-time operating systems require accurate results and timely results, which means that the results must be produced within a certain time limit, or the system will fail. It is primarily used in control device applications like automobile-engine fuel injection systems, industrial control systems, weapon systems, medical imaging systems, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Real-Time Operating System

There are various advantages and disadvantages of a Real-Time operating system. These are as follows:

Advantages

There are various advantages of a Real-Time Operating System. Some of them are as follows:

1. A real-time operating system often takes less time to shift from one task to another. Tasks are typically switched in 3 microseconds or less. This type of expedited task management ensures that key processes are performed on time.
2. An RTOS is a system that is available 24/7 because it produces maximum results. As a result, it is suited for applications that must run at all times. Apart from that, an RTOS system can support different MCU systems.
3. Real-time operating systems, particularly those based on hard RTOS, are completely error-free. It ensures a more effective way of handling the errors. Furthermore, operating systems experience with jitter, an issue in which the number of errors between loops is measured. A correctly programmed RTOS can be optimized so that it suffers fewer jitters.
4. An RTOS ensures that the system consumes more resources while keeping all devices active. As a result, a system using RTOS experiences very little downtime. And also hosting companies to exhibit maximum results while using RTOS.
5. A real-time operating system focuses on one application at a time. This application will often be the one that is already executing. All others in a queue will be held in a holding pattern. As a result, critical tasks may be performed on time and within the specified deadline to achieve the exact results needed.

Disadvantages

There are various disadvantages of a Real-Time operating system. Some of them are as follows:

1. A Real-Time operating system constantly experiences signal interruptions. As a result, the needed drivers must be loaded on the computer in order to get consistent speed. With the help of drivers, an RTOS will be able to respond quickly whenever an interruption occurs.
2. As mentioned earlier, an RTOS focuses on only one application at a time. It is used to maintain accuracy and reduce errors. All other low-priority applications need to be on waiting.
3. Although a real-time operating system (RTOS) can focus on specific applications, it is not the same as multitasking. They are only designed to run some of the tasks.
4. Program crashes may often be experienced while using a Real-Time operating system. Unlike a regular O/S, an RTOS may not efficiently separate memory domains. As a result, processes would have a problem addressing them.
5. Complex algorithms are behind an RTOS interface. These algorithms will be difficult to write for a typical user. Only a professional developer will be able to write and understand them.

Main Differences between the Time-sharing and Real-Time Operating System

Here, you will learn the main differences between Time-sharing and Real-Time operating system. These differences are as follows:

1. The user must receive a response within a specific time frame in the real-time operating system; otherwise, system failure is possible. In contrast, in the time-sharing operating system, the responses produce very quickly and hardly takes only a fraction of a second. If the response misses the time, the outcome is not disastrous.
2. Many users share computer resources in Time-sharing operating systems, whereas external events are processed within a limit in real-time systems.
3. There is only one application involved in real-time processing. In contrast, Time-sharing processing must deal with a wide range of applications.
4. In the case of real-time operating systems, switching does not occur. On the other hand, the time-sharing operating system uses context switching to switch the CPU from one process to another.
5. In RTOS, a computational task is completed in a specific amount of time, whereas in Time-Sharing operating systems, the emphasis is on responding quickly to a request.

Head-to-head differences between the Time-sharing and Real-Time Operating System

Here, you will learn the head-to-head differences between time-sharing and the real-time operating system. Some of them are as follows:

Features	Time-sharing	Real-time Operating System
Definition	A Time-sharing system allows several users to use a computer system from various locations simultaneously.	A Real-time operating system completes a task within a specific time.
Computer Resources	Users may share the resources between the users.	Resources are allotted to a process for a fixed amount of time before reallocating to another process.
Switching	A switching method/function is available.	The switching method/function is not available.
Modification the program	Any modification may be possible in the program.	Any modification may not be possible in the program.
Response	The response is generated within the second.	The user must get the response within the specified time constraint.
Process deals	It runs multiple applications simultaneously.	It runs only a single application simultaneously.
Basic	Its focus is on responding quickly to a request.	It focuses on completing a computer task before the deadline.

Conclusion

Time-sharing operating systems allow multiple users to interact with computer systems simultaneously by switching the CPU between them. In contrast, a real-time operating system is more likely to complete a single task at a time and deliver services on time.

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