1. Overview

Do you know you and your computer speak different languages?

It doesn't speak any of the languages you use to communicate with others, so how are you able to communicate with it?

In this article, let's try to understand what an Operating System is and its significance in this digital world.

2. Content

Computers speak in 0's and 1's, which we call machine code or binary code.

We cannot understand or at least hard for us to understand that language that computers speak. That's where the Operating System comes in.

2.1. What is an Operating System?

Operating System, also known as OS, is software that runs on the computer that helps us to communicate with the computer without knowing its binary code language.

  • It acts as an interface between computer hardware and user, where hardware can include
    • CPU, memory, storage, keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, etc.,
  • It provides an environment for all the software applications to run and perform their tasks, which includes
    • Web Browsers, MS Office application, Notepad, games, music, video, or any other applications.
  • It takes care of managing and allocating required resources and services like memory, processors, devices.
  • Major functionalities of an Operating System includes
    • Resource Management
    • Process Management
    • Storage Management
    • Security/Privacy Management

We cannot imagine a computer without an Operating System.
Operating System and computer system form a complete system that determines what a computer can do.

2.2. Types of Operating Systems

Type Details
Desktop and Laptop Operating Systems

Two of the most popular ones are - Microsoft Windows and Mac OS.

Microsoft Windows comes pre-loaded on most personal computers we use today.

Mac OS on all Mac Books.
Mobile Operating Systems

These are designed for smaller touch screen devices like mobile phones and tablets.

Android for android based mobiles and tablets.

Apple iOS for Apple mobile and iPads.

2.3. Will every application work on all devices or Operating systems?

Every application that we download and run on our machines, may not work on all Operating Systems.

Most of them work on all devices, but others work only on some. So, we have to make sure the application that we download is compatible with the Operating System we have on our machine.

3. Conclusion

We should have a better understanding of an Operating System and its significance, and types of operating systems.