Operating Systems, commonly referred to as OSs, are the underlining software systems that allow devices such as computers and smartphones to access and communicate with peripherals, other computing devices, and the internet. Access to a computer’s hardware is mediated by an OS, which basically serves as a platform for applications, which will interact with the user.
An OS basically controls and manages mapped memory and storage as well as the distribution of processor power between the tasks of different applications. Some other features of an OS include reliable operation, basic input and output, and multimedia support.
One of the most well-known OSs is Microsoft Windows, first released in 1985. Windows has spawned several iterations of releases, the most recent of which is Windows 10. Other popular examples of OSs include Apple’s macOS, Google’s Android, and Linux, which is available in various distributions.
Most OSs on the market today are designed to run seamlessly on multiple hardware types, and this is considered one of the OSs most successful features. Operating systems have evolved with the hardware over time, now boasting features such as multitasking and virtual memory.
Operating systems are often classified into types, such as multiuser, multitasking, embedded, and real time. Multiuser systems allow multiple users to use the same system at the same time, multitasking systems are able to run multiple processes at once, embedded systems are used for the purpose of controlling systems, and real time systems are designed to respond to events instantly.
Given today’s technology-driven world, the importance of OSs can hardly be overestimated. Without a functioning OS, the operation of hardware is unthinkable.
