What is an operating system? Easily explained
Operating systems are used in all areas of technology. In this article, we explain what an operating system is in detail. We also present the most important operating systems for computers and smartphones.
Explanation: What is an operating system?
Everything you do on the computer runs through programs, also called software. To be able to do this at all, you need a user interface. This is provided by the operating system.
- An operating system is a bundle of different programs. They are necessary to be able to start the computer at all.
- The operating system contains interfaces that enable the interaction between hardware and software.
- When you start a program, the operating system addresses all the necessary hardware components. For example, if you listen to music on the Internet, the operating system controls the activation of the network adapter. The sound is also addressed.
- The tasks are processed automatically in the background. If something does not work as desired, there is not an error in the operating system. The correct configuration is important.
- In addition to device and file management, memory and process management are also tasks of an operating system.
What operating systems are there for computers?
Computers are not all computers. That is why there are different operating systems. They differ among other things in the programming languages, the optics and the functions.
- Microsoft's first operating system was MS-DOS (Disk Operating System). Windows is the advancement. With Windows, a graphical user interface was set up for easy execution on DOS. The latest version of the operating system is called Windows 8.1. However, there is already a preview of Windows 10.
- As well known as Microsoft's Windows, Apple's in-house operating system is Mac OS X. Mac OS X is characterized by its ease of use and user-friendliness. Apple also pioneered many of the features of today's user interfaces. Drag & drop and pulldown menus are developments from the Apple forge. The current Mac OS X version is called Yosemite.
- Linux has established itself as the third larger operating system, albeit as a niche in terms of user numbers. The open source project is created under the GNU General Public License. The platform places great value on stability, security and flexibility in use. Linux is distributed in various distributions.
Overview of smartphone operating systems
Mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets also require an operating system. However, the focus is partly on functions other than the computer.
- Microsoft has developed its own operating system for smartphones. This is called Windows Phone.
- IOS is used for most Apple mobile devices. iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and the 2nd generation Apple TV use this operating system. The Apple Watch has its own: watchOS.
- The most popular mobile operating system Android is based on the license-free Linux kernel. The system was developed by an alliance of different companies. This includes Google, which Android is always associated with. However, companies such as T-Mobile, Acer, Samsung and many others were also involved. The current version is called "Lollipop". A developer preview for Android M is also already available.
In the next practical tip you will learn what the term cache means.