Operating system
An operating system is software that manages a computer's hardware and runs other programs.
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Sana Sheikh
First written 4 Jan 2024
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An operating system (OS) is the main software that manages a computer's hardware and provides services for other programs to run.
Role
The operating system controls the processor, memory, storage and devices, and gives users a way to interact with the computer. It lets many programs share the machine.
Examples
Common operating systems include Windows, macOS and Linux on computers, and Android and iOS on smartphones.
Frequently asked questions
What does an operating system do?
It manages the computer's hardware and runs programs.
What are common operating systems?
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.