Batch Operating System

The fundamental goal of this Operating System was to transfer the control from one of the jobs to another as soon as it was finished. It had a small group of programs known as the resident monitor. These were always contained in one section of the main memory. The remaining portion is used for maintenance work.

In this article, we will look deeper into the Batch Operating System according to the GATE Syllabus for (Computer Science Engineering) CSE. Let us read ahead to know more.

Table of Contents

What is the Batch Operating System?
Types of Batch Operating System
- Simple Batched System
- Multi-Programmed Batched System
Uses of the Batch Operating System
Working of a Batch Operating System
Batch Operating System Roles
Batch Operating System Characteristics
Pros of Batch Operating System
Cons of Batch Operating System

What is the Batch Operating System?

In the 1970s, batch processing was quite popular. Batch processing was used to complete the tasks. People used to use a mainframe, which was a single computer. Users that use batch OS do not interface with the computer directly. Every user prepares their job and submits it to the computer operator using an offline device such as a punch card. To speed up processing, jobs with comparable criteria are aggregated and executed as a group. After the programmers have handed over their programs to the operator, they sort the programs into batches based on their needs.

Jobs that perform comparable functions were grouped together in the batch operating system. These work groupings are processed as a batch and run at the same time. The following batch processing actions are performed by a computer system running this operating system:

A job is a single unit made up of a pre-programmed set of data, commands, and programs.
The orders are processed in the order in which these are received, meaning first come, first served.
These jobs are saved in memory and run without the need for any manual input.
The OS releases memory after a job is completed successfully.

Types of Batch Operating System

The batch OS can be divided into two categories, and they are explained below:

Simple Batched System

In a primitive batch operating system, the user did not interface directly with the computer system for job execution. The user, on the other hand, had to prepare a job that included the program, control information, and data on the project’s nature on control cards. The job was subsequently handed off to the computer operator, who received it on a punch card. In the event of a program error, the program’s output comprises results, registers, and memory dumps. After a period of time, which could range from days to hours to minutes, the output emerged.

Its primary function was to move control from one job to another. To boost processing performance, jobs with comparable criteria were grouped together and then processed through the processor. The application used the operators to build batches with comparable requirements. When the batches become available, the computer runs them one by one. Typically, this system reads a series of jobs, each one with its own set of control cards with predefined job activities.

Multi-Programmed Batched System

Spooling is responsible for a large number of jobs that have already been read but are also waiting to be executed on disk. The operating system can choose which job to run next from a pool of jobs stored on a disk, allowing it to maximize CPU use. Jobs that are delivered on magnetic tape or cards cannot be reordered. Because jobs are run in an FCFS way, they run in sequential order. Job scheduling becomes possible when several jobs are stored on the direct access device, much like a disk. Job scheduling includes multi-programming. Spooling and offline operations have limits in the case of overlapped I/O. In most cases, a single user could not keep track of all of the I/O devices and CPU purchases.

To enhance CPU utilisation, jobs are grouped in this batched system so that the CPU only executes one work at a time. At any given time, the operating system keeps several jobs in memory. One job is chosen by the operating system, and it is started in memory. Finally, a task, like mounting a tape on an Input/Output activity, must be completed before the process may proceed. Do not sit idle in a multiprogramming system because the OS will transition to another task. The CPU is returned when a job is in the wait state, and the current job is done.

Uses of the Batch Operating System

Batch operating systems put less strain on the CPU and need little human engagement, which is why they are still in use today. Another advantage of batch OS is that they allow you to complete large, repetitive tasks without having to communicate with the computer to tell it what you need to do next.

The user did not communicate with the software while it was being executed in old batch operating systems since they were not interactive. Interactions are now supported by modern batch operating systems. For instance, you may schedule a job, and when the time comes, the computer will notify the processor that the job is complete.

Working of a Batch Operating System

The OS keeps track of the number of jobs and executes them one by one. Jobs are processed in the order in which they are received. A batch is defined for each work set. When a job is completed, the memory associated with it is released, and the work’s output is sent to an output spool for printing or processing later. In a batch operating system, user engagement is limited. When the system takes over the task from the user, the person is free to do other things. You can also make use of the batch processing system to make changes to data in any transactions or records.

Batch Operating System Roles

The basic function of a batch OS is to automatically perform jobs in batches. The ‘Batch Monitor,’ which is positioned at the low end of the main memory, performs the principal role of a batch processing system. The development of hard disk drives and card readers enabled this technology. The jobs can now be saved to a disk and used in a batch execution pool. Following that, they are grouped together in batches with comparable jobs. As a consequence, the batch OS conducted the batched jobs one by one, saving time by only having to do duties once. It was the outcome of a more efficient system with a shorter turnaround time.

Batch Operating System Characteristics

The Batch OS has a number of qualities. The following are a few of them:

In a batch operating system, the CPU executes the jobs in the order in which the operator sends them to it, implying that the task provided to the CPU first would be executed first. It’s also referred to as the ‘first come, first serve’ policy.
The term “job” refers to a command or instruction that both the user and the software must follow.
A batch operating system executes a series of user-supplied instructions that are made up of numerous different instructions and programs.
When a task is completed successfully, the operating system releases the memory allocated to it.
In a batch operating system, the user does not interact directly with the operating system; instead, all instructions are forwarded to the operator.
The operator assesses the user’s instructions and generates a collection of similar instructions.

Pros of Batch Operating System

The Batch OS has a number of advantages. The following are a few of them:

It is usually difficult to predict how long a project will take to complete; but only the batch system processors happen to know how long it takes to complete the job in a timely manner.
This system is capable of handling huge assignments on a regular basis.
To boost processing speed, the batch process might be separated into many parts.
When a process is complete, the following job from the job spool is executed without the need for user intervention.
The use of the CPU improves.

Cons of Batch Operating System

The Batch OS has a number of drawbacks. The following are a few of them:

When a job fails for the first time, it must be rescheduled, and the process may take a long time to finish.
Batch systems must be fully understood by computer operators.
Debugging the batch system is tricky.
There is no direct interaction between the computer system and the user.
Other jobs must wait for an indeterminate period of time if a job enters some infinite loop.

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