Operating system (OS) is a software package that provides the ability to control a computer through a graphical interface, as well as control and distribute computing processes and resources. The OS allows the user to launch and control the operation of application programs, receive and transmit data, change the parameters of the computer and the devices connected to it.
Operating systems for personal computers are: single-tasking and multitasking, single-user or multi-user, network and non-network. According to the types of interface, OSs are divided into command and multi-window graphical interfaces.
Single-tasking operating systems can only solve one problem at a time. As a rule, such systems allow only one program to run in the main mode. Multitasking operating systems are capable of running several programs at once that run in parallel.
A single-user system differs from a multi-user system by the presence of data protection means from unauthorized access by other users.
At the moment, the de facto standard of the OS interface is a graphical multi-window interface, which allows control through windows, drop-down menus, file lists, etc.
At the moment, three types of operating systems for personal computers are most widespread and famous: Microsoft Windows, Linux and Apple Mac Os X.
Microsoft Windows
The family of proprietary Microsoft Windows operating systems is used by static data on 90% of existing personal computers. This OS was created on the basis of a graphical add-on for MS-DOS, which was called Windows. All operating systems of this family use a graphical interface to manage processes and computer resources.
Linux
Unix-like operating systems, which are based on the Linux kernel, are second only to Microsoft Windows in terms of popularity and frequency of use. Each of these systems has its own set of application programs configured for specific tasks, and is distributed mostly free of charge as a ready-made distribution kit.
Linux systems are the market leaders in smartphones, netbooks, powerful supercomputers, internet servers, embedded systems and data centers. Linux ranks third in the home computer market. A prime example of a Linux-based operating system for various portable digital devices is the popular Android OS. The most famous and widespread Linux distributions are Mint, Ubuntu and Fedora.
Mac OS
Mac OS is another well-known line of operating systems from Apple. This system is installed on all new Macintosh computers. According to the Mac OS user agreement, the installation of this operating system is permitted only on Apple computers. There are versions of the system for personal computers from other manufacturers, but some of the functions are disabled in them and there is an increased instability of work.
In addition to these most well-known and frequently used systems, there is also a fairly large number of highly specialized and applied operating systems.
