Data Structure
Networking
RDBMS
Operating System
Java
MS Excel
iOS
HTML
CSS
Android
Python
C Programming
C++
C#
MongoDB
MySQL
Javascript
PHP
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Mathematics
English
Economics
Psychology
Social Studies
Fashion Studies
Legal Studies
- Selected Reading
- UPSC IAS Exams Notes
- Developer's Best Practices
- Questions and Answers
- Effective Resume Writing
- HR Interview Questions
- Computer Glossary
- Who is Who
Difference between Mobile and Desktop Operating System
An Operating System is a bridge between the software and underlying hardware. It is the first program that is loaded by BIOS when the computer is turned on. OS is stored in hard disk. It manages the overall components of the computer. OS executes all the other applications in a computer or any other devices. OS interacts with users with the help of CLI or GUI. It allows us to store and share data such as pictures, videos, etc. It performs high level operations. User can perform number of tasks at the same time. It is involved in file and memory management, input and output operations, and also control external drivers.
There are different types of operating systems. Read this article to understand how a Mobile OS is different from a Desktop OS.
What is a Mobile Operating System?
Mobile operating system is a system software which is used to run applications on mobiles. It is similar to desktop operating system in their function, but they operate on mobiles. But mobile operating systems are light weight operating systems compared to desktop operating system. They are usually written in high level languages like C, C++, Java, Swift etc.,
These operating system allows wireless network access. They have attractive graphical user interface and display icons when it is switched on. They combine the features of desktop operating systems with many other features that allows users to use wireless mobiles. They have additional real time operating systems in them that allows users to interact with mobiles. They allow external memory devices like memory cards and also allow SIM card insertion that helps in mobile network connectivity and telephone services.
There are many mobile operating systems that are available. Some of them are Android, Apple iOS, windows mobile OS, Blackberry OS etc., among all these OS, Android is the most popular mobile operating system and most used OS. The core of Android OS is Linux based whereas iOS is Unix related.
Some of the features of mobile operating system are:
Attractive and user-friendly interface
Connectivity
Multi-tasking
Multi-touch
Multi-language
Near Field Communication (NFC)
What is a Desktop Operating System?
Desktop OS is the operating system that is present in all personal computers. It is also known as client operating system. MS-DOS is the first discovered desktop OS. Desktop OS are written in C, C++ and assembly languages. Some OS are pre-installed while others are installed later. This software can be available for free or paid services are also available for some of them. The popular Desktop OS are Windows, Linux and Mac.
Most of these OS use Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows the users to click on icons and open applications using pointer devices. These OS can do many tasks. They can run multiple programs at the same time. Some of the functions of desktop OS include memory management, file management, storage, managing hardware devices, running various software applications, task management etc.,
More space is required for these OS. They support multiple applications. These OS take more time to reboot and to run a process.
Desktop operating systems can also be used in super computers that function as servers. The OS that is used in these servers are Linux, Unix etc.,
Advantages
User friendly GUI
Multi-tasking
Frequent updates to keep up with the latest features
Allows users to share data
Disadvantages
Some OS costs more
They are more complex and difficult to understand
If central OS fails, then the whole system stops working
Memory fragmentation
Difference between Mobile OS and Desktop OS
The following table highlights the major differences between a Mobile OS and a Desktop OS:
Parameter |
Mobile OS |
Desktop OS |
|---|---|---|
Definition |
It is a system software which is used to manage and run software applications on mobiles |
It is a system software which is used to manage hardware devices on desktops |
Uses |
Its function is to provide wireless network connectivity and telephone features on hand held mobiles |
Their main function is to manage software and hardware |
Storage space required |
Storage required for mobile OS is generally low |
More storage space is required |
Booting time |
They boot faster than desktop OS |
It takes more time to boot |
Storage devices |
Flash drives are used to store information |
Hard disks and flash drives are used to store information |
Primary memory |
It requires minimum RAM to work |
Desktop OS requires more memory to operate |
Requirements |
It has fewer user requirements |
It has more user requirements |
Input devices |
Input is given on touchscreen using inbuilt keypad |
It uses mouse, keyboard as input devices |
Functionality |
Their functionalities are limited compared to that of desktop OS |
Desktop operating system has a wide range of functionalities |
Usage |
Mobile operating system are used in mobiles, smart watches, tablets etc., |
Desktop operating system is used in desktops, laptops, servers etc., |
Examples |
Android, Apple iOS, windows mobile OS, Blackberry OS etc., are examples of Mobile operating system |
Windows, Mac, Unix, Linux etc., are all examples of desktop OS |
Conclusion
Mobile and desktop operating systems are used to run various software applications but on different devices. Desktop operating system is more complex and have a wide functionalities compared to that of mobile operating system.
1K+ Views
