The operating system has its own characteristics. While an experienced user needs only one glance at the desktop to determine the OS version, this can be difficult for a beginner.
Instructions
Step 1
The list of existing operating systems is quite large, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, the computer is installed with the operating system Windows XP, Windows 7 or one of the Linux distributions. Macintosh computers run the Mac OS operating system. Considering that Macintosh computers are ten times less common than IBM-compatible models, a common user is unlikely to come across them.
Step 2
To determine the OS by its appearance, take a look at the desktop. Many Windows XP users do not change the default theme, so it is very easy to identify the operating system. The "Start" button has the shape of a rectangle, on the desktop there is a standard screensaver with the image of a green meadow and a blue sky with clouds.
Step 3
If the Start button is round, you are most likely dealing with Windows Vista or Windows 7. The latter is more likely, since the "seven" is much more popular than Vista. True, the "Aero" theme, typical for Windows 7, can be installed on XP as well. To determine the exact OS version, right-click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop and select "Properties" from the context menu. In the window that opens, you will see information about the Windows version.
Step 4
The very presence of the "My Computer" icon on the desktop indicates that you are dealing with Windows. Linux operating systems also have their own characteristics. For example, if the taskbar is not at the bottom of the screen, like in Windows, but at the top, then you are definitely dealing with Linux. The Mac OS-style quick launch bar with program icons located at the bottom of the screen above the taskbar will also testify to Linux.
Step 5
On Linux, it can also be indicated by a gear-shaped Start button, a vertical row of large square buttons on the left side of the screen. It should be borne in mind that Linux has much more options for customizing the appearance of the desktop than operating systems from Microsoft. Any non-standard desktop is highly likely to indicate that the computer is running Linux.
Step 6
Quite complete information about the Windows version can be viewed through the command line. Open: "Start" - "All Programs" - "Accessories" - "Command Prompt", type the command systeminfo and press Enter. For all available information about Windows, use the Aida64 (Everest) program. Run the program, find the line "Operating system" in the left column, click it with the mouse. Full information about the version of the installed OS will appear in the right part of the window.
