The Functions of an Operating System

The operating system of a computer is its most important program. It's a collection of technologies which are intended to allow the computer to perform certain functions. The operating system is also responsible for the security of your computer, ensuring that no unauthorized users have access to the system. However, a computer's operating system is most importantly used to provide a framework within which various programs can be created and ran. Therefore, operating systems are made up of an infrastructure of language code that directly crosses with the hardware inside your computer system.

When the operating system was first developed, users had to input commands in a program such as DOS. Using this type of system isn't very efficient, but effective. A newer interface was developed to overcome the command line interface. Nowadays, a graphical user interface, or GUI, allows you to initiate commands by simply pointing and clicking different objects that appear on your computer monitor. By calling upon these interfaces, the application can then request a service from the operating system, pass parameters, and begin the results of the operation you selected.

You're probably familiar with the most popular operating system that uses a graphical user interface, Microsoft Windows. Windows uses a graphical user interface to try and make it easier for people to use their computers and utilize their time. Currently, Windows XP and Windows Vista dominate the majority of household computers. Windows XP professional was developed for businesses to utilize their time and focus on their customers. It provided a new standard in reliability and performance and was designed to accommodate businesses of any size or for individuals in households that wanted the most from their computer experience. Windows Vista is the most recent consumer version of Windows and has relatively high system requirements compared to Windows XP. A mobile version of the Windows operating system has been developed also. It is generally used in Pocket PCs and smart phones.

Another popular operating system, especially among developers, is Linux. Linux was initially created by Linus Torvalds, a young student. Linux is similar to UNIX and is an open source operating system. While many people enjoy operating systems developed by Apple, Microsoft Windows holds the majority of market share in the desktop and notebook computer markets. However, servers in many businesses generally run on either operating systems similar to UNIX or Linux. Apple has also developed a mobile operating system currently used on the iPhone and found on the iPod touch based on the Mac OS X.

Undoubtedly, the operating system is not a vanishing from a technical viewpoint; we will most likely always need software to run the chips inside our computing machines. The operating system is the very gateway into the computing world. Its sole purpose is to organize and control hardware and software so that the various devices behave in a flexible, but predictable way. We rely on operating systems to provide the critical functions of a computer such as performing tasks related to sending output to the monitor, recognizing keyboard commands, maintaining computer files, and controlling peripheral devices. The more familiar you are with an operating system, the more you get out of it and the easier it will become to use your computer system.