Operating system is a program that controls all the functions of a computer . It is abbreviated OS. The operating system “directs traffic,” moving typed input from the keyboard to the computer, making memory available to units that do the actual computing, guiding of data to screens and printers, and so on. The OS also acts as a “platform” for applications software, programs for such specific kinds of tasks as word processors and web browsers . Thus, applications software acts through the operating system.
An operating system is typically designed for a particular type of computer. Most computers run versions of the Windows operating system, designed by Microsoft Corporation . Computers manufactured by Apple Inc. run versions of Apple’s Macintosh operating system. Other computerlike devices, such as certain mobile phones, have specially designed operating systems. Leading mobile operating systems include iOS—created and developed by Apple—and Android.
