An operating system is a software program or a set of programs that manages and controls the hardware and software resources of a computer system or other electronic devices.
It acts as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the software applications, providing an interface for users and software to interact with the underlying hardware.
The main functions of an operating system include:
- Managing hardware resources,
- Providing a user interface,
- Managing software resources,
- Managing file systems,
- Providing system services,
- Ensuring system security.
Examples of popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, which are used in various devices, such as personal computers, servers, smartphones, tablets, and embedded systems.
Operating systems are critical for the proper functioning of computer systems and electronic devices, providing an environment for software applications to run and enabling users to interact with the underlying hardware and software resources.