The most important software that runs on a computer is the operating system. It manages the memory and processes of the computer, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also enables you to communicate with the computer even if you do not understand its language. A computer is useless without an operating system.
The operating system’s job
The operating system (OS) of your computer manages all of the software and hardware on the machine. Most of the time, multiple computer programmes are running concurrently, and they all require access to your computer’s central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. All of this is coordinated by the operating system to ensure that each programme receives what it requires.
Types of operating systems
Operating systems are typically pre-installed on any computer purchased. Most people stick with the operating system that came with their computer, but it is possible to upgrade or even switch to a different operating system. Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux are the three most popular operating systems for personal computers.
A graphical user interface, or GUI, is used in modern operating systems (pronounced gooey). A GUI allows you to click icons, buttons, and menus with your mouse, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.
Each operating system’s graphical user interface (GUI) has a distinct look and feel, so switching to a different operating system may appear strange at first. Modern operating systems, on the other hand, are designed to be user-friendly, and the majority of the fundamental principles are the same.
Microsoft Windows
In the mid-1980s, Microsoft created the Windows operating system. Windows has many different versions, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows 8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-installed on the majority of new PCs, which contributes to its status as the world’s most popular operating system.
macOS
macOS (previously known as OS X) is an operating system developed by Apple. All Macintosh computers, or Macs, come with it preinstalled. Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra are some of the specific versions (2016).
According to StatCounter Global Stats, macOS accounts for less than 10% of global operating systems, which is significantly lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%). One reason for this is the higher cost of Apple computers. Many people, however, prefer the look and feel of macOS over Windows.
Linux
Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a group of open-source operating systems that can be modified and distributed by anyone on the planet. This contrasts with proprietary software, such as Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The benefits of Linux include the fact that it is free and that there are numerous distributions (or versions) to choose from.
According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users make up less than 2% of all operating systems worldwide. Most servers, however, run Linux because it is relatively simple to customise.
