What is an operating system in a computer?

An operating system is a software programme required to manage and operate a computing device like smartphones, tablets, computers, supercomputers, web servers, cars, network towers, smartwatches, etc. It is the operating system that eliminates the need to know coding language to interact with computing devices. It is a layer of graphical user interface (GUI), which acts as a platform between the user and the computer hardware. Moreover, the operating system manages the software side of a computer and controls programs execution.

Here are some of the functions of an operating system:

Memory management

Memory is a crucial hardware resource for any computing device. It is the memory that keeps the program running or stay active when not in use. Here, it is the operating system that directs memory resources to different computer programmes and handles memory management for uninterrupted experience.

Processor management

If processor is the heart of computer, operating system is the brain. The operating system decides which process gets the processor resources when and for how much time. Moreover, it is the operating system that optimises processor for efficient performance.

Device management

Computer is a set of hardware and software resources. The operating system manages these resources so everything works without conflict. For this, a computer requires drivers so that the software communicate to hardware efficiently through operating system. It is the operating system, however, that manages device management.

In consumer PC segment, Microsoft Windows leads the computer operating system in June 2020 with a market share of around 77.21 per cent. It is followed by macOS by Apple Inc. in the second place with 16.97 per cent market share, and the varieties of Linux are collectively in third place with 1.84 per cent market share – according to Statcounter. In smartphone segment, Google Android leads the chart with more than 70 per cent market share, followed by Apple iOS with around 24 per cent market share – according to Statista.

Learning Objectives

• Determine what operating system you have.

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. Nearly every computer program requires an operating system to function. The two most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows and Apple’s macOS. This course’s main focus will be Windows 10 and 7.

Although this class will be focusing on Windows 10 and 7, the things you will learn in this module can be done by any version of Windows or macOS. If you are not running Windows 10 or 7, you can find directions online by searching for the task you are trying to do and the name of your operating system. (For example, you might search for “create folder windows vista.”)

Windows vs. Mac

Apple logo

To identify your operating system, start by narrowing down which brand of OS you have. Often you can determine whether you are running Windows or macOS without even turning on your computer:

• Is there an Apple logo somewhere on your computer?
• Does your computer have a Command key (⌘) on the keyboard?
• Was your computer purchased at an Apple store?

If the answer to any of those questions is yes, then you most likely have a computer that runs macOS.

Another good way to see whether you are running Windows or Mac is simply to turn the computer on. As the operating system boots up, it will display a logo. A Windows logo means you are running Windows, while an Apple logo means you are running macOS.

If you have determined that you are running Windows, there are many methods to determine your specific operating system, not all of which are listed here. It doesn’t matter which method you use; what’s important is figuring out which operating system you have. If one method doesn’t work, try another.

Method 1

Press the Windows key (at the bottom of the keyboard, looks like four squares) and R key at the same time to open the Run dialog box. Type in “winver.”

Click OK. A window should open called About Windows that tells you which operating system you are using.

This computer is using Windows 10.

Method 2

Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. If you see a search text box, select it and then type “about” or “about your pc.” If you do not see a search text box, then just start typing “about” or “about your pc.” Select About your PC. If you do not see About your PC, try a different method.

This computer is running Windows 10 Home Version 1607 with a 64-bit operating system.

Method 3

Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. Right-click on Computer, then select Properties.

This computer is running Windows 7 Professional with a 64-bit operating system.

Method 4

Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen.If you see a search text box, select it and then type “System Information” in the search box. If you do not see a search text box, then just start typing “system” or “system information.” Select System Information under Programs. If you do not see System Information, try a different method.

This computer is running Windows 7 Professional with a 64-bit operating system.

Methods 2–4 also provide additional information on your computer that is useful for troubleshooting and determining what programs you will be able to run. For example, many software programs have a version for a x32-based processor and another for a x64-based processor. For the purposes of this course, you only need to know which edition of Windows you have.