Mobile Operating System: Definition,Types, Features and Examples

Mobile Operating System

A mobile operating system allows the user to run other different application software on the mobile, tablets, etc. Moreover, we can say that it is a type of operating system which is specially designed for mobiles, tablets, smartwatches, etc. Furthermore, they are a mixture of computer OS with some additional features for mobiles. Also, they are comparatively light and simple.

An operating system (OS) is a program that acts as an interface between the system hardware and the user. Moreover, it handles all the interactions between the software and the hardware. Before knowing different mobile OS, let us study some functions of an operating system.

Functions of OS

An operating system performs various tasks. Let us study them. Several functions of OS are:

1. Memory Management

It is the management of the main or primary memory. Furthermore, whatever program is executed, it has to be present in the main memory. Therefore, there can be more than one program present at a time. Hence, it is required to manage the memory.

The operating system:

Allocates and deallocates the memory.
Keeps a record of which part of primary memory is used by whom and how much.
Distributes the memory while multiprocessing.

2. Processor Management/Scheduling

When more than one process runs on the system the OS decides how and when a process will use the CPU. Hence, the name is also CPU Scheduling. The OS:

Allocates and deallocates processor to the processes.
Keeps record of CPU status.

3. Device Management

The processes may require devices for their use. This management is done by the OS. The OS:

Allocates and deallocates devices to different processes.
keep records of the devices.
Decides which process can use which device for how much time.

4. File Management

The files on a system are stored in different directories. The OS:

keeps records of the status and locations of files.
Allocates and deallocates resources.

5. Security

The OS keeps the system and programs safe and secure through authentication. A user id and password decide the authenticity of the user.

6. Other Functions

Some other functions of the OS can be:

Error detection.
keeping a record of system performance.
Communication between different software etc.

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Types of Popular Mobile Operating System

1. Android OS

The Android OS is the most common operating system among the mobile operating system. Furthermore, Google is the developer of Android. Moreover, it is an open source and free operating system. This OS is based on the Linux kernel. The name for every new version of update is based on ‘desserts’ for example Cupcake, Donut, Eclair, Oreo, Kitkat, etc.

2. Bada

Samsung is the launcher of this operating system. It came into market in 2010. Moreover, it includes features like 3-D graphics, application installation, multipoint touch etc.

3. Blackberry OS

The developer of this operating system is Reasearch In Motion (RIM). It was specifically designed for blackberry devices. Furthermore, it is useful for corporate users.

4. Apple iOS

After android, it is one of the most popular OS. It is designed to run on Apple devices such as iPhones, iPad tablets, etc. Moreover, like the android devices have the playstore for apps download. Likewise, apple iOS contains the app store. Also, it has very strong security features.

5. Windows Mobile Operating System

The developer of this OS is Microsoft. It is basically designed for pocket PCs and smartphones. Moreover, it has the features of computer based Windows OS and additional features for mobile phones.

6. Symbian OS

Symbian Ltd. is the developer of this OS. Moreover, Nokia was the first to use this OS on its mobile phones. Furthermore, it provides high level integration with communication. This OS is based on java language.

7. Harmony OS

It is a latest OS moreover, Huawei is its developer. It is specifically designed for use in IoT devices.

8. Palm OS

Its other name is Garnet OS. Furthermore, Palm Ltd. is its developer which developed this OS for use in Personal Digital Assisstants (PADs).

9. WebOS

Palm Ltd is its developer. Moreover, it is based on Linux kernel and HP uses it in its mobile devices and touchpads.

Features of Mobile Operating System

1. Easy to use

The graphics should be attractive.
The buttons and features should be easy to use. mOreover, the functionalities should not be very compilicated.
Features should be powerful and useful.

2. Good app store

An app is one of the basic part of an OS.
Good and useful apps forms an important part of an OS.
The apps should be simple and interactive.

3. Good battery life

Power is one of the main requirement of a smartphone.
They require power for processors sensors etc. Therefore, the battery holds a very important role.
Smartphones power usage keeps on increasing therefore, a good battery backup is very essential.

4. Data usage and organization

An operating system should focus on controlling the data and network usage. It should keep the limit and requirement in focus.
Secondly, the organization of data related to to-do lists, calendars, alarms, reminders etc is very important. A good OS should keep this data in a very organized and safe manner. Moreover, the data should be readily and easily available.

Components of a Mobile Operating System

The components of a mobile OS are same as a basic OS. The components are as follows:

1. Kernel

A kernel is the core/heart of an OS. It contains all the functions and operations to manage the working of OS.

2. Process Execution

The OS executes various process so that the statements will execute and connect the application program to the hardware. Whenever a process executes it uses memory, space and other resources as well.

3. Interrupt

Interrupts are basically used be the hardware devices to communicate with the CPU. It is basically a signal which the device generates to request the CPU. Moreover, whenever an interrupt occurs the CPU temporarily stops executing its current process.

4. Memory Management

The operating system:

Allocates and deallocates the memory.
Keeps a record of which part of primary memory is used by whom and how much.
Distributes the memory while multiprocessing.

5. Multitasking

It is performing more than one tasks at a time. The OS allows the user to work wit more than one process at a time without any problem.

6. Security

The OS keeps the system and programs safe and secure through authentication. A user id and password decide the authenticity of the user.

7. User Interface

GUI stands for Graphical User Interface. As the name suggests, it provides a graphical interface for the user to interact with the computer. It uses icons, menus, etc. to interact with the user. Moreover, the user can easily interact by just clicking these items. Therefore, it is very user friendly and there is no need to remember any commands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a mobile OS?

A1. A mobile operating system allows the user to run other different application software on the mobile, tablets, etc. Furthermore, they are a mixture of computer OS with some additional features for mobiles. Also, they are comparatively light and simple.

Q2. List some common mobile operating system.

A2. Some common mobile OS are as follows:

Android OS
Apple iOS
Bada
Blackberry OS
Windows Mobile OS
Symbian OS
Palm OS
Web OS
Harmony OS etc.

Q3. List the functions of OS.

A3. Functions of OS are as follows:

Memory Management
Process Management/CPU Scheduling
Device Management
File Management
Security
Error detection etc.

Q4. List the features of a mobile OS.

A4. A mobile OS has the following features:

Easy to use
Good app store
Good battery life
Data usage and organization

Q5. What is a kernel?

A5. A kernel is the core/heart of an OS. It contains all the functions and operations to manage the working of OS.

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