Operating systems like Windows, Unix or Mac OS X are widely used and known but many users fail to be able to explain what an operating system actually does. Put simply, an operating system is the core software part that brings the computer hardware and software together.
The kind of operating system a computer uses is dependent on what kind of computer it is and what it is going to be used for. Most computers come pre-loaded with the operating system when you purchase them. Personal computers usually come pre-loaded with Windows, Apple computers usually are pre-loaded with the Macintosh operating system and servers use such operating systems as Linux and UNIX however there are hundreds of operating systems available if you have specific needs for them.
While operating systems are usually associated with computers they can be found in many other electronic devices from cell phones over video game consoles to PDAs.
The operating system is the core of a computer system. It manages how the hardware and software interacts - some would say communicates - with each other. It is responsible for the smooth operation of the system and has to ensure that software and hardware will not interfere with each others operations.
The operating system manages all the computer's hardware by loading so called drivers which are used to interact with the hardware.
The operating system provides the software programs with hardware information which means that the applications do not have to add their own routines to work with the hardware. The operating system manages all hardware of a computer system.
The operating system works by recognizing input from the devices or software connected or installed. It then sends this information to the necessary recipient such as the hard drive or the monitor. From there the information is processed into output. For example when you move your mouse, the operating system detects the input from the ball inside of it, that information is sent to the monitor and the mouse pointer moves around he screen.
Operating systems make use of user groups and users. This is being used to give users access to specific parts of the operating system. It can also prevent certain users and user groups from accessing parts of the operating system, software or hardware. - 16003
The kind of operating system a computer uses is dependent on what kind of computer it is and what it is going to be used for. Most computers come pre-loaded with the operating system when you purchase them. Personal computers usually come pre-loaded with Windows, Apple computers usually are pre-loaded with the Macintosh operating system and servers use such operating systems as Linux and UNIX however there are hundreds of operating systems available if you have specific needs for them.
While operating systems are usually associated with computers they can be found in many other electronic devices from cell phones over video game consoles to PDAs.
The operating system is the core of a computer system. It manages how the hardware and software interacts - some would say communicates - with each other. It is responsible for the smooth operation of the system and has to ensure that software and hardware will not interfere with each others operations.
The operating system manages all the computer's hardware by loading so called drivers which are used to interact with the hardware.
The operating system provides the software programs with hardware information which means that the applications do not have to add their own routines to work with the hardware. The operating system manages all hardware of a computer system.
The operating system works by recognizing input from the devices or software connected or installed. It then sends this information to the necessary recipient such as the hard drive or the monitor. From there the information is processed into output. For example when you move your mouse, the operating system detects the input from the ball inside of it, that information is sent to the monitor and the mouse pointer moves around he screen.
Operating systems make use of user groups and users. This is being used to give users access to specific parts of the operating system. It can also prevent certain users and user groups from accessing parts of the operating system, software or hardware. - 16003
About the Author:
Martin writes regularly about the upcoming Microsoft OS Windows 7. You can find more information about the Windows OS like the one about Windows 7 Wallpapers at his blog.
