The low-level software that supports a computer's basic functions, such as scheduling tasks and
controlling peripherals.
An operating system (OS) is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and
provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is an essential component
of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an operating
system to function.
IOS
Windows
Mac OS X
Android
Functions of an operating system The basic
functions of an operating system are:
Booting the computer Performs basic
computer tasks eg managing the various
peripheral devices eg mouse, keyboard
Provides a user interface, e.g. command
line, graphical user interface (GUI) Handles
system resources such as computer's
memory and sharing of the central
processing unit (CPU) time by various
applications or peripheral devices Provides
file management which refers to the way
that the operating system manipulates,
stores, retrieves and saves data.
(GUI) An interface for issuing commands to a computer utilizing a pointing device, such as a mouse, that
manipulates and activates graphical images on a monitor.
(CLI) A command-line interface allows the user to interact with the computer by typing in commands. The
computer displays a prompt, the user keys in the command and presses enter or return.