Operating System

Operating Systems

Now You Know - An operating system (OS), in its most general sense, is software that allows a user to run other applications on a computing device. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. While it is possible for a software application to interface directly with hardware, the vast majority of applications are written for an OS, which allows them to take advantage of common libraries and not worry about specific hardware details. 

The operating system manages a computer's hardware resources, including:

• Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse
• Output devices such as display monitors, printers and scanners
• Network devices such as modems, routers and network connections
• Storage devices such as internal and external drives

Operating System's Scheme

The OS consists of many components and features. Which features are defined as part of the OS vary with each OS. However, the three most easily defined components are:

• Kernel: This provides basic-level control over all of the computer hardware devices. Main roles include reading data from memory and writing data to memory, processing execution orders, determining how data is received and sent by devices such as the monitor, keyboard and mouse, and determining how to interpret data received from networks.
• User Interface: This component allows interaction with the user, which may occur through graphical icons and a desktop or through a command line.
• Application Programming Interfaces: This component allows application developers to write modular code.

A piece of software will clearly say which operating systems it supports and will get very specific if necessary. For example, a video production software program might say it supports Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7, but does not support older versions of Windows like Windows Vista and XP.

Types of 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. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

→ Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. Over the years, there have been many different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

→ Mac OS

Mac OS

Mac OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes preloaded on all new Macintosh computers, or Macs. All of the recent versions are known as Mac OS Mojave, and the specific versions include High Sierra(2017), Sierra(2016), El Capitan(2015), Yosemite(2014), Mavericks(2013), Mountain Lion(2012), and Lion(2011).

→ Linux

Linux

Linux is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from. Most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.