Operating System

An operating system or OS is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless. The picture is an example of Microsoft Windows XP, a popular operating system and what the box may look like if you were to visit a local retail store to purchase it.

When computers were first introduced, the user interacted with them using a command line interface, which required commands. Today, almost every computer is using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating system that is much easier to use and operate.

Examples of computer operating systems

Microsoft Windows 10 - PC and IBM compatible operating system. Microsoft Windowsis the most common and used operating system.
Apple macOS - Apple Mac operating system. Today, the only Apple computer operating system is macOS.
Ubuntu Linux - A popular variant of Linux used with PC and IBM compatible computers.
Google Android - Operating system used with  Android  compatible phones and tablets.
iOS - Operating system used with the Apple  iPhone  and  iPads.

Chromium - Google operating system used with  Chromebooks.