Operating System (OS) software details

An Operating System (OS) is the foundational software layer that manages computer hardware and software resources, providing services for application programs. OSes are essential for all types of computing devices from desktops and smartphones to embedded systems and IoT devices. This guide offers a consolidated view of the most widely used OS software, categorized into general-purpose, mobile, embedded, and real-time operating systems. It also includes development tools and common use cases to help choose the right OS based on the application.

General-Purpose Operating Systems

These OSes are commonly used on personal computers, laptops, and servers:

Windows

Developer: Microsoft

Kernel Type: Hybrid

File System: NTFS, exFAT, FAT32

Features:

User-friendly GUI

PowerShell scripting

Compatibility with a vast range of software

Available in Home, Pro, and Enterprise editions

Use Cases: Personal computing, enterprise systems, gaming, software development

macOS

Developer: Apple Inc.

Kernel Type: Hybrid (based on XNU from Darwin)

File System: APFS, HFS+

Features:

Unix-based stability and security

Integrated with Apple ecosystem

Optimized for creative and productivity apps

Use Cases: Multimedia creation, iOS/macOS development, high-end productivity

Linux

Developer: Open-source community

Kernel Type: Monolithic

File Systems: ext4, Btrfs, XFS, and more

Features:

Highly customizable

Strong security and performance

Numerous distributions (Ubuntu, Fedora, Arch, Debian, etc.)

Use Cases: Servers, cloud systems, cybersecurity, embedded systems, education

Mobile Operating Systems

Designed for smartphones and tablets with optimized user experiences.

Android

Developer: Google (AOSP)

Kernel Type: Modified Linux kernel

App Format: APK

Features:

Highly customizable interface

Google Play ecosystem

Broad OEM support (Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.)

Use Cases: Mobile devices, smart TVs, tablets, embedded devices

iOS

Developer: Apple Inc.

Kernel Type: Hybrid (XNU/Darwin)

Features:

Secure and efficient

Sandboxed apps for safety

Deep hardware-software integration

Use Cases: iPhones, iPads, Apple Watch, secure mobile environments

Embedded and IoT Operating Systems

Lightweight OSes designed for microcontrollers and constrained environments.

FreeRTOS

Type: Real-Time Operating System (RTOS)

Developer: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Features:

Lightweight task management

Deterministic behavior

Compatible with ESP32 and STM32

Use Cases: Sensor data logging, robotics, automation, IoT nodes

Zephyr OS

Type: Scalable open-source RTOS

Developer: Linux Foundation

Features:

Modular and secure architecture

Cross-platform (ARM, x86, RISC-V)

Supports BLE, Wi-Fi, LoRa, etc.

Use Cases: Wearables, industrial IoT, medical devices

RIOT OS

Type: Open-source RTOS for IoT

Features:

POSIX-compliant API

Low-power operation

Multithreading support

Use Cases: Sensor networks, smart agriculture, low-power devices

TinyOS

Type: Event-driven embedded OS

Programming Language: NesC

Features:

Designed for ultra-low power

Compact memory footprint

Use Cases: Wireless sensor networks (WSNs), academic research

Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Used when precise timing and reliability are crucial.

RTOS	Developer / Use	Highlights
FreeRTOS	AWS	Widely used in IoT, ESP32-compatible
QNX	BlackBerry Ltd.	Automotive, industrial systems
VxWorks	Wind River	Aerospace, defense, telecom
RTEMS	OAR Corp.	Space systems, satellites

Development Tools and Languages by OS

OS	Popular IDEs	Scripting / Languages	Typical Uses
Windows	Visual Studio, VS Code	PowerShell, Python, C#	.NET dev, gaming, enterprise
macOS	Xcode, VS Code	Bash, Swift, Python	iOS/macOS development
Linux	Vim, Emacs, Eclipse	Bash, Python, C++	DevOps, servers, cybersecurity
Android	Android Studio	Kotlin, Java	Mobile app development
RTOS	Eclipse plugins, ESP-IDF	C, C++	Embedded systems, robotics

Summary Table

Category	Examples	Best For
Desktop OS	Windows, macOS, Linux	General computing, development, enterprise
Mobile OS	Android, iOS	Smartphones, tablets
Embedded OS	FreeRTOS, Zephyr, RIOT	IoT, sensors, wearables
Real-Time OS (RTOS)	FreeRTOS, QNX, VxWorks	Robotics, aerospace, automotive

The choice of an operating system plays a pivotal role in the performance, scalability, and reliability of any computing system. General-purpose OSes like Windows, macOS, and Linux cater to everyday computing and development needs, while mobile OSes like Android and iOS dominate handheld devices. For specialized applications in IoT, robotics, and real-time control, embedded OSes such as FreeRTOS, Zephyr, and TinyOS offer tailored solutions with low resource footprints and precise task management.