Difference Between Single User and Multiuser Operating System

The main difference between single user and multiuser operating system is that in a single user operating system, only one user can access the computer system at a time while in a multiuser operating system, multiple users can access the computer system at a time.

An operating system (OS) works as the interface between the user and hardware. It performs a variety of tasks. It allocates, and de allocates memory and handles process creation, deletion etc. It manages task scheduling, device management, and files. The OS also manages the system resources and secure the data. The functionality of the entire computer depends on the OS. There are various types of operating systems, and single user and multiuser operating systems are two of them. In a single user operating system, only one user can access the system at a time. On the other hand, in a multiuser operating system, multiple users can access the system simultaneously.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Single User Operating System
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is Multiuser Operating System
     – Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between Single User and Multiuser Operating System
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Multi User Operating System, Single User Operating System, Operating System

What is a Single User Operating System

In a single user operating system, a single user can access the computer system at a time. These types of operating systems are commonly found in home computers. There are two types of single user operating systems called single user, single task operating system and single user, multi-task operating system.

Figure 1: OS

In a single user, single task operating system, a single user can perform only one task at a time. Palm OS for Palm handheld computers is an example for a single user, single task operating system. In a single user multitask system, a single user can perform multiple tasks at the same time. Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS allow a single user to work on multiple programs at the same time. For example, a user can work on a word document and browser the World Wide Web simultaneously. Most modern personal computers and laptops are single user multi-tasking operating systems.

What is a Multiuser Operating System

A multi user operating system allows multiple users to access the computer at the same time. The operating system manages the memory and resources among the various users according to the requirements. The task of one user will not affect the tasks of the other users. UNIX and Linux are two examples of multi user operating systems.

A time sharing operating system allows multiple users in different locations to use a particular computer system concurrently. In distributed operating system, the data processing task is divided among the processors accordingly. It is also a multiuser operating system.

Difference Between Single User and Multiuser Operating System

Definition

A single user operating system is a type of operating system that provides facilities to only one user at a time. A multi user operating system is a type of operating system that provides resources and services to multiple users at a time.

Types

Single user single task OS and single user multi-task OS are two types of single user OS.  Timesharing OS and Distributed OS are some types of multiuser OS.

Complexity

Furthermore, single user OS is simple while multiuser OS is complex.

Examples

Windows, Apple Mac OS are some examples of single user OS. UNIX and Linux are two examples of Multiuser OS.

Conclusion

An operating system works as the interface between the end user and the hardware. It can support a single user or many users at a time. The difference between single user and multiuser operating system is that in a single user operating system only one user can access the computer system at a time while in a multiuser operating system multiple users can access the computer system at a time.

Reference:

1. “How Operating Systems Work.” HowStuffWorks, HowStuffWorks, 14 Aug. 2000, Available here.
2. “Types of Operating System.” Www.tutorialspoint.com, Tutorials Point, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Operating system placement”By Golftheman – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia