An operating system (OS) is the software that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer. It acts as an intermediary between the computer's hardware and the programs that run on the computer. Some common examples of operating systems include Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
An operating system's primary functions include:
- Memory management: ensuring that different programs can run simultaneously without interfering with each other's memory usage.
- Process management: managing the execution of different programs, including the allocation of resources such as CPU time and memory.
- File management: managing the organization, storage, and retrieval of files on a computer's storage devices.
- Input/output management: managing the transfer of data between the computer and its peripherals, such as keyboard, mouse, and display.
- Networking: managing communication between the computer and other devices on a network.
The operating system is also responsible for providing a user interface, such as a command line or graphical user interface (GUI), through which users can interact with the computer.
Overall, the Operating System serves as the foundation for all other software, providing a stable and consistent environment for other applications to run on.
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