READ: Operating Systems

Operating Systems

Without an operating system (OS), a computer would be useless. An operating sysem is what enables software programs to operate the actual computing machine (hardware).

In computer terms, the OS acts as a "host" for programs to use that system. Users input data via programs, which utilize hardware via the operating system. See the image below:

(photo:operatingsysbem-wikipedia)

Interfaces

Operating systems offer the computer user a way to control what the computer does. This control is realized through a user interface (UI).

Commands for a computer can be typed into a command line interface (CLI). Sometimes referred to as a prompt or terminal, the command line interface allows users to control the computer using keywords.

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In order to make computers easier to use, the graphical user interface (GUI - pronounced "gooey") was developed. With a GUI, the computer is commonly controlled with a computer mouse. Rather than remembering and typing in commands, icons and buttons on the screen can represent commands for the computer with a GUI.

(photo:cassidydr-flickr

Contemporary Operating Systems

As of the year 2009, the most commonly used operating systems are Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux (many different versions), and Apple Mac OS X. All of these operating systems got their start in the 1980s, and they continue improving today.

(photo:LuChOeDu-flickr)