What is Operating System?
An operating system (OS) is a category of programmes that controls computer hardware resources and offers shared services for software applications. The most crucial kind of system software in a computer system is the operating system.
An operating system performs several functions, including:
- Resource management: Managing the hardware and software resources of the computer, including the CPU, memory, and input/output devices.
- Memory management: Allocating and deallocating memory to programs as needed.
- Process management: Coordinating the execution of multiple programs by the CPU.
- File management: Storing, organizing, and accessing files on the computer’s storage devices.
- Security: Protecting the computer system and its data from unauthorized access.
Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux are a few examples of well-known operating systems. Users can select the operating system that best suits their needs from among a variety of features and capabilities.
An operating system offers three key functions: a UI via a CLI or GUI, application activation and management, and identification and exposure of system hardware resources to those programmes — often via a standardized API.
UI. Every operating system needs a user interface (UI), which enables users and administrators to communicate with the OS to instal, configure, and even diagnose the OS and its supporting hardware. CLI and GUI are the two main categories of UI that are offered.
The three most popular operating systems are Linux, Apple’s macOS, and Microsoft’s Windows, while there are many others available. We shall include a few of the most significant variations between each system in the table below.