An operating system (OS) is a software that acts as an interface between computer hardware components and the user. It is the most important software that runs on a computer and manages all of its software and hardware. The OS is loaded into the computer by a boot program and manages all the resources of the computer. It coordinates all the different computer programs running at the same time and ensures that each program gets what it needs. The OS provides a comprehensive platform that identifies, configures, and manages a range of hardware, including processors, memory devices, chipsets, storage, networking, and subsystem interfaces.
The OS performs several functions, including:
- Memory Management: It manages the computers memory and processes.
- Process Management: It manages all the processes running on the computer.
- File Management: It manages the storage of files and directories on the computer.
- Device Management: It manages the computers hardware devices, such as printers, scanners, and keyboards.
- Security Management: It provides security features to protect the computer from unauthorized access.
The most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. Each operating system has a different look and feel, but they are designed to be easy to use.
