What is an Operating System? What are its functions?

by Md Munna

Whether we use a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet these days, all these devices have one thing in common: they all run on some kind of operating system (OS). But what exactly is an operating system, and what does it do?

Definition of Operating System

Operating system is a type of system software and it is pre-installed in the computer. Operating system manages every function of the computer. When the computer starts, the operating system checks whether all the parts of the computer are connected or not.

The operating system allows us to create files and folders on the computer. If the operating system does not support any file, then we cannot work on that file. The operating system also checks which software you are installing on the computer. If the software is not compatible with the operating system, then you cannot install that software.

There are many type of operating systems available nowadays, the most popular of which are – Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS, Linux.

Main functions of the operating system

Although an operating system performs many functions, the main functions are:

Managing resources

A computer has many types of hardware - such as CPU (central processing unit), memory (RAM), storage (hard drive or SSD) and input/output devices (keyboard, mouse, printer). The operating system manages all these hardware resources.

Provide user interface

Imagine if Android is somehow deleted from your phone, how will you use the phone? You will not be able to do any work on your phone. An operating system provides you a way to interact with computer hardware.

Managing the process

An operating system manages all the programs or processes running on your computer and phone. This is why you can chat on WhatsApp and listen to songs on the phone at the same time without any interruption.

Manage files

We all download files from the internet on our phones. If that file is a photo then that file gets saved in the phone's gallery. If it is a document file then it appears in the documents section of the file manager. So from this we can understand that an operating system also works to manage files.

Keeping data safe

Because of an operating system, our computer, smartphone and the data stored in them remain safe. We can lock our computer, smartphone, tablet with a password so that we can protect our data from others. We do not know where this password is saved in the phone but it is saved. If any virus comes in our computer, then the operating system is very helpful in removing it.

Types of Operating Systems

There are many types of operating systems. One for computers, one for phones, and one for tablets.

Desktop Operating System

These are the operating systems that you find on personal computers and laptops, such as Windows 11, macOS, Ubuntu, Linux Mint, Red Hat.

Mobile Operating System

The operating system found on smartphones and tablets is called a mobile operating system. Example: iOS, Android, watchOS.

Server Operating System

Server operating systems are specialized software designed to manage and operate servers. Unlike desktop or mobile operating systems, server operating systems are optimized for stability, security, and performance in serving multiple clients or users simultaneously.

Embedded Operating System

These run on specialized devices such as ATMs, smart TVs, digital cameras, and IoT (Internet of Things) devices. They are often designed to be lightweight and efficient, such as Android for IoT devices or real-time operating systems (RTOS) for industrial applications.

Popular Operating Systems

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft Windows is made by Microsoft company and it is installed on best desktop computers. Windows operating system can also be installed on tablet.

macOS

macOS is made by Apple and is only installed on MacBook.

Ubuntu

Ubuntu is the world's most popular Linux operating system and users do not have to make any payment to use it. Computer manufacturers like Dell, HP, Asus provide Ubuntu pre-installed in some of their computer models.

ChromeOS

ChromeOS is made by Google company and it is already installed in Chromebook. In ChromeOS, you can use Android apps by installing them from Google Playstore.

Android

Android operating system is also made by Google and it is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world. Android operating system is also made by Google and it is the most widely used mobile operating system in the world. Smartphone manufacturers like Oppo, Mi, Vivo customize Android and create their own operating system and install it in their smartphones.

iOS

iOS is a mobile operating system that is installed only on iPhone. You cannot install it on an Android smartphone.

Fire OS

Fire OS is a mobile operating system developed by Amazon that runs exclusively on Amazon devices such as Fire tablets, Fire TV, and Amazon Echo.

watchOS

watchOS is an operating system that Apple makes for its Apple Watch. It is based on iOS and has features like the iPhone.

BharOS

BharOS is a mobile operating system designed by India's prestigious technology institute IIT Madras. This operating system is based on the Android Open Source Project and was created keeping in mind the user's privacy. There is no pre-installed app in this OS, the user can install the app as per his requirement.

Kali Linux

Kali Linux operating system is made by Offensive Security Company. Kali has many tools which are used to keep the computer safe and hence all those people who want to learn ethical hacking or want to make a career in the field of cyber security, they must learn to work on this operating system.

Wear OS

Wear OS is made by Google company and is used by different smartwatch manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola in their smartwatches.

Red Hat Enterprise Linux

Red Hat Enterprise Linux is a commercial operating system manufactured by the Red Hat company.


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