The OS works as a city planner, traffic controller, and chief administrator at the same time. Without it, one can expect utter chaos. Thus, it becomes vital for the layman and the tech-savvy: some OSs you might be familiar with include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Core Functions of Operating System
This section talks about the basic functions that the OS performs in managing your computer. Let’s dive into them.
Resource Management
Think of the OS as an impeccably structured manager. It allocates CPU time, memory, and storage to various applications. Imagine how the OS administers RAM with multiple programs running in the foreground and the background. It really gets everything functioning together without a glitch! The OS does the job of resource management for you.
Popular Operating Systems
Windows
Windows is one of the most widely preferred operating systems by people. It’s popular due to graceful interface and soft compatibility of software. Windows is often used in most organizations. Statistically, it holds a huge market share.
macOS
This is purely artistic and best in integrating with the hardware part of Apple. There are many creative professionals depending on the use of macOS. It primarily improves user experience in smooth usage.
Linux
That is an open-source kind of software; thus, anyone can use it, and anyone can use or even change it. Thousands of different versions exist, all known as distributions. One can also try out a Linux distribution in a virtual machine. It is worth a look!
Operating Systems for Mobile Devices
Android
Even though it is available in open source, very flexible and versatile, it still binds within Google’s ecosystem. It holds maximum population with its mobile operating system.
iOS
iOS is basically the project of Apple that supports all the hardware of Apple. It is quite reputed because of its safer and simpler approach. Usage of the Apple ecosystem can provide the user with a lot of advantages.
The Operating Systems of the Future
Cloud-Based Operating Systems
A new thing will happen called an operating system in the cloud. You would access it with a browser. ChromeOS would be such an example of this kind of idea.
Embedded and IoT Operating Systems
More and more operating systems will embed themselves in a device, so fewer of them will exist in user-centric devices. Still, not all large issues are user-centric, and your smart home devices would need an OS to run!
Conclusion
In principle, various computer operating systems manage the hardware and software of computers. They are, however, possibly from their own pool with various versions. Ranging from Windows and Mac to Android and iOS, these operating systems play their essential part. Most of the time, we hardly recognize it; yet, it is highly important. If today you feel like exploring a new operating system, do so!