Operating systems

Operating systems what is it, types of OS and which one to choose
In technical publications, the phrase operating systems, OS, etc. is often found.

This term is applied not only to ordinary personal computers (PCs), but also to any other computing systems - from smartphones to supercomputers

The operating system is the most important program on a PC
An operating system is a set of programs with which a computer functions. Without this set of programs, it will not work, remaining an unnecessary pile of hardware.

A computer, laptop, tablet, or phone must have an operating system.

This is an interface (bridge) between the hardware in the computer unit or phone case (processor, memory, hard disk) and the user.

It is designed to manage the entire operation of the computer, the efficient use of its resources. The OS is a "Big Boss" that performs the following functions:

manages free resources of RAM, hard drives or memory cards;
manages the CPU load;
distributes process flows to create multitasking (simultaneous opening of several programs);
installs, updates and deletes (with the help of the user or automatically) programs and applications.
In order for the user to interact comfortably with software (Microsoft Word, browsers, games, etc.), operating systems have a graphical interface (graphical shell).

The first truly popular operating system was Windows 95 and its main feature was the graphical interface that allows you to control a computer with a mouse, which made it accessible to more people. The operating systems that existed before required specific knowledge (commands) to work with a PC.

The main types of operating systems imply a division into single-tasking and multitasking. Modern operating systems belong to the second type, i.e. they are able to solve several tasks simultaneously.

This also includes the most popular — Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS. Everyone has advantages and disadvantages. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Windows is the most common OS on earth
Everyone scolds the family of these operating systems for "gluttony" to computer resources, low stability and tedious downloading of updates. Nevertheless, more than 90% of users use this OS. And there is an explanation for this.

Windows has a lot of advantages over competitors, here are some of them:

reliable hardware support (video cards, audio cards, printers, video cameras, etc.);
easy to install applications and programs (the program is downloaded and then installed by double-clicking on the installer);
friendly interface, it is easy to use the OS in everyday life, the child will also learn (intuitive);
a large selection of programs for windows (games, graphic and text editors, antiviruses, etc.).
The main advantages are listed here, they explain why users choose this OS.

But there are also some disadvantages:

long OS loading;
constant reboots and the need to install updates (to ensure security);
possible loss of data or computer performance when a virus enters the system.
As you can see, there are more advantages, and the main thing is convenience.

Every user is able to figure it out in a couple of hours without any problems, this is the secret of popularity.

Linux is reliability and security everywhere
This operating system (based on Unix) is somewhat different from the previous one.

The main heart is the kernel, which has driver support installed (for working with other devices). The main concept in this OS is a package, because it consists entirely of packages.

If in Windows each application occupies its own folder, then in Linux the files are in different folders: the launching programs are in one place, the configuration files associated with the program settings are in another folder.

Such storage and location of files confuses users, but, from the point of view of logic, such a separation seems reasonable.

Let's highlight the advantages of this OS:

the system is free of charge (on the site with the selected distribution, we download the necessary image, write it to a USB flash drive and install it on users' computers);
the software is free (graphic editors, text, etc.);
modification of programs, if you know the programming language, you can safely write your own programs or modify existing ones;
programs and games designed for windows are launched via emulators (wine, virtual machines);
thanks to the architecture and complex system of writing viruses and activating them on Linux, it is very reliable and secure, so Unix-like systems are "on guard" for most servers.
But even here there are disadvantages:

incomplete hardware support (video cards, audio cards, printers, etc.), but the situation is constantly improving, with each new release more and more devices are supported;
fewer games and programs, it is unprofitable for commercial software developers to invest in free versions of programs, so they remain in the Windows segment;
the need for constant self-learning, if there are problems with the program and drivers, answers to questions should be sought on forums dedicated to this OS, since they are not obvious.
Windows wins this round. Users will not want to understand the new system, they need a result: "so that everything works right away." Linux is an operating system for those who like to learn new things.

Linux distributions are becoming more and more "friendly" to the user, offering a nice graphical interface, practical package managers, a growing set of games and applications (Ubuntu, Linux Mint distributions are suitable for beginners at the beginning of use).

Mac OS is an OS created for professionals
This is an Apple operating system that can only be installed on computers of the same company.

Mac OS is a closed OS based on Unix-like systems (similar to Linux), the difference is that the source code is closed, and it is a paid operating system.

The advantage of a closed system is that applications are brought to perfection when working under one architecture, which increases the speed of applications, increasing effective interaction with memory and other processes.

There is also a significant disadvantage — the almost complete absence of games for this operating system. Apple computers are platforms made and created not for home, but for work.

Which operating system to choose
So, let's summarize all of the above. Probably, it became clear what an OS is.

The operating system is the main component of a computer and any device like it.

If you need the simplicity and convenience of installing programs, configuring peripherals, then the Windows OS line will be the best choice.
If you like to study how a computer works, understand the processes taking place in it, and also better understand the principles of its operation, then switching to linux would be a good solution.
For those who need a computer only as a working tool, macOS will be the best choice.
Whatever operating system you choose, the main thing is to understand it well, we hope that this article has become a step towards full mutual understanding!