

Single-user, multi-tasking - This is the type of operating system most people use on their desktop and laptop computers today.The Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is a good example of a modern single-user, single-task operating system. Single-user, single task - As the name implies, this operating system is designed to manage the computer so that one user can effectively do one thing at a time.In a complex machine, having a part move more quickly just because system resources are available may be just as catastrophic as having it not move at all because the system is busy.

A very important part of an RTOS is managing the resources of the computer so that a particular operation executes in precisely the same amount of time, every time it occurs. An RTOS typically has very little user-interface capability, and no end-user utilities, since the system will be a "sealed box" when delivered for use. Real-time operating system (RTOS) - Real-time operating systems are used to control machinery, scientific instruments and industrial systems.
