Operating Systems (OS)
An operating system is the basis upon which a computer or any device runs on. This is not to be mistaken as a processor. A processor is the nucleus of a computer and also actual matter. The operating system on the other hand, is a program, and the most important program on any computer. It completes tasks such as recognizing external and internal disks. Operating systems also provide a software platform on which applications can run. They can be classified into five categories: multi-user, multiprocessing, multitasking, multithreading, and real-time.
The user interacts with the operating system with commands. These commands include COPY and PASTE. Such commands are executed by the command processor, a vital part of the operating system. Operating systems inside the scope on this website are (Windows):Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, (Mac):Snow Leopard, Lion, and Mountain Lion.
- Multi-user: allows two or more users to run programs simultaneously.
- Multiprocessing: a program is run on more than one CPU (central processing unit)
- Multitasking: allows more than one program to run at the same time
- Multithreading: different parts of a program can run synchronously
- Real-time: the operating system responds to input immediately
The user interacts with the operating system with commands. These commands include COPY and PASTE. Such commands are executed by the command processor, a vital part of the operating system. Operating systems inside the scope on this website are (Windows):Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, (Mac):Snow Leopard, Lion, and Mountain Lion.