Operating System (or OS) is a software application that controls the operation and interactions of different hardware resources on a computer system. An operating system is sometimes referred to as a platform software because it enables the interaction between applications and the operating system itself. It enables users to run applications on their hardware, as well as install, uninstall, and manage the resources of the system. Furthermore, it also controls the access to files and programs by other users, and provides basic security features for the computer system.
The three main types of operating systems are Desktop Operating Systems, Mobile Operating Systems, and Server Operating Systems. Desktop Operating Systems are mainly used by home and business users, and are designed to be used on the desktop or laptop computer. The most popular desktop operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, and Linux. Mobile Operating Systems are designed for portable devices like smartphones and tablets, and are optimized to conserve power and resources. The most popular mobile operating system is Google Android. Server Operating Systems are mainly used by server administrators and network engineers. The most popular server operating systems are Linux, Microsoft Windows Server, and Apple Mac OS X Server.
The main benefits of using an operating system include enabling users to easily access content on the Internet, run applications, install software, manage hardware resources, and protect the computer system. In addition, they provide a user-friendly interface, allowing the user to interact with the hardware, software and other resources on the computer.
Overall, an Operating System is an essential part of a computer system, and without it, the user would not be able to access files, programs, or even access the Internet. Therefore, it is important to choose the correct operating system for the user, depending on its capabilities and features.
