Which technology would typically not require a dedicated operating system?

An embedded system typically does not require a dedicated operating system in the way that traditional computers do. Instead, embedded systems often run on a firmware-based environment designed for specific functions, which can be as simple as a set of programmed instructions or a minimalistic real-time operating system (RTOS) that is tailored for the specific task it needs to perform. These systems are built for efficiency and performance, often handling dedicated tasks like controlling appliances, machines, or vehicles without the superfluous capabilities required by a full operating system found in desktop computers or mobile phones.

In contrast, a desktop computer, a virtual server, and a mobile phone generally operate on fully-fledged operating systems designed to manage a wide range of applications and processes. Desktops and mobiles run complex user interfaces and support multitasking, while virtual servers require an operating system to handle multiple instances of services or applications for virtualization purposes. This sets them apart from embedded systems, which focus specifically on their designated tasks without the need for a comprehensive operating system infrastructure.