What are operating systems?
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages a device's hardware and software resources and provides common services for other programs. It’s a resource allocator and used to control programs to prevent errors and improper system usage.
The operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and all the hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless. Operating systems are not just for computers and laptops, other mobile devices run mobile operating systems.
Your computer's operating system manages all of the software and hardware on the computer. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs.
Users and processes access the computer’s resources through the operating system.
Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text. Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system it may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of the basic principles are the same. Older operating systems are text/character based.
Computer operating systems
Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating systems. Some of the most popular operating systems used on computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, Chrome OS and Linux. Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. A major advantage it offers is being free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from.
Windows 10 desktop showing open windows and menu.
Mobile device operating systems
The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and laptop computers. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices. Examples of popular mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google Android.
iOS running on an iPad showing application icons.
Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for desktop and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However, you can still do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, play games and use other available software applications designed for them.
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