Definition: An operating system is a collection of programs that control the application software that users run and provides a link between the hardware and software currently running on the computer. The operating system is also responsible for the management and control of all resources (memory, hard drives, monitor, etc.) that are shared amongst the different application programs that may be running simultaneously.
Examples of Operating Systems
1. Windows: Microsoft Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems for personal computers. Versions include Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and earlier versions like Windows XP and Windows 98.
2. macOS: macOS is the operating system developed by Apple Inc. for their Macintosh computers. It provides a graphical user interface and a range of built-in applications. Examples of macOS versions include macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, and earlier versions like macOS Mojave and macOS High Sierra.
3. Linux: Linux is an open-source operating system that is available in various distributions. Examples of Linux distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, Debian, and CentOS. Linux is widely used in servers, embedded systems, and as an alternative to proprietary operating systems.
4. Android: Android is an operating system developed by Google for mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. It is based on the Linux kernel and is designed primarily for touch screen devices. Android has various versions like Android 12, Android 11, and earlier versions like Android 10 and Android 9.
5. iOS: iOS is the operating system developed by Apple Inc. for their mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads, and iPods. It provides a secure and user-friendly environment for mobile applications. Examples of iOS versions include iOS 15, iOS 14, and earlier versions like iOS 13 and iOS 12.
6. Unix: Unix is a family of multitasking, multiuser computer operating systems that are widely used in servers and workstations. Variants of Unix include Solaris, FreeBSD, OpenBSD, and macOS, which is based on the BSD variant of Unix.
7. Chrome OS: Chrome OS is a Linux-based operating system developed by Google. It is designed primarily for use with web applications and is commonly found on Chromebook laptops and Chromebox desktops.
8. FreeBSD: FreeBSD is a free and open-source operating system based on the BSD version of Unix. It is known for its stability, security, and performance, and is commonly used in servers and embedded systems.
These are just a few examples of operating systems, and there are many more specialized and niche operating systems used in specific domains and industries.
Examples of common personal computer operating systems:
- Windows 7
- Windows Vista
- Windows Server 2003
- Linux
- Mac OS X
- SunOS
Alternate Spellings: OS, O/S, kernel
Examples: Google announced that they are developing a new operating system that users will be able to use to run on their PCs.
See also
Operating System
COMPUTER SAFETY MEASURES
MEANS OF TRANSMITTING INFORMATION
Process of information transmission
Information processing – Full Explanation