Operating System

An operating system or OS is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless. The picture is an example of Microsoft Windows XP, a popular operating system and what the box may look like if you were to visit a local retail store to purchase it.

When computers were first introduced, the user interacted with them using acommand line interface, which required commands. Today, almost every computer is using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating system that is much easier to use and operate.

Examples of computer operating systems

Microsoft Windows 7 - PC and IBM compatible operating system. Microsoft Windows is the most common and used operating system.

Apple MacOS - Apple Mac operating system. The only Apple computer operating system is MacOS

Ubuntu Linux - A popular variant of Linux used with PC and IBM compatible computers.

Google Android - operating system used with Android compatible phones.

iOS - Operating system used with the Apple iPhone

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