operating system

An operating system (OS) is a software layer that controls and manages the hardware and software resources in a computer system or other electronic device. It is the basic software that enables the launch and management of applications, ensures the proper functioning of the system, and enables communication between hardware and software.

The main functions of the operating system include:

Resource management: The operating system controls access to and use of resources in the computer system, such as the processor, memory, storage, network adapters, and other peripherals. It ensures that different applications and processes can run concurrently and use resources properly.

File management: The operating system allows you to organize and manage files and directories on storage. It provides mechanisms for creating, opening, closing, copying, moving and deleting files. It ensures that files are stored and managed efficiently and securely.

Process control: The operating system controls the starting, stopping, scheduling and termination of processes. It enables parallel processing of multiple tasks and ensures that each process has access to the necessary resources and functions properly.

Providing a user interface: An operating system provides a user interface that allows interaction with a computer or device. It can be a command line, a graphical user interface, or a combination of both.

There are many types of operating systems, including desktop operating systems (e.g. Windows, macOS, Linux), mobile operating systems (e.g. Android, iOS), server operating systems (e.g. Windows Server, Linux), and embedded operating systems (e.g. Windows IoT, Embedded Linux). Each type of operating system is designed for specific needs and target devices.