What is an operating system?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer’s memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Following are some of important functions of an operating System.

• Memory Management
• Processor Management
• Device Management
• File Management
• Security
• Control over system performance
• Job accounting
• Error detecting aids
• Coordination between other software and users

Types of Operating System – 

• Batch Operating System- Sequence of jobs in a program on a computer without manual interventions.
• Time-sharing operating System- allows many users to share the computer resources. (Max utilization of the resources).
• Distributed operating System- Manages a group of different computers and makes appear to be a single computer.
• Network operating system- computers running in different operating systems can participate in a common network (It is used for security purposes).
• Real-time operating system – meant applications to fix the deadlines.

Examples of Operating System are – 

• Windows (GUI based, PC)
• GNU/Linux (Personal, Workstations, ISP, File and print server, Three-tier client/Server)
• macOS (Macintosh), used for Apple’s personal computers and workstations (Mac Book, i Mac).
• Android (Google’s Operating System for smartphones/tablets/smartwatches)
• iOS (Apple’s OS for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch)