​What is an Operating System?

• An operating system, or (OS), is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Think about it as an interface between you, your files, and the internet.

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Common Operating Systems

• Linux: Linux is a family of free and open-source software Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, which was first released on 17 September 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is known for being the go-to alternative to Windows based systems on the principle that it values the user over profit.

• Windows: Windows is a proprietary operating system developed by Microsoft. Windows is grouped into families that cater to particular sectors of the computing industry; though lately they seem to only be catering to their shareholders.

• macOS: macOS is a proprietary Unix operating system, derived from OPENSTEP for Mach and FreeBSD, which has been marketed and developed by Apple since 2001. It is the current operating system for Apple's line of Mac computers.

• ChromeOS: ChromeOS is a proprietary operating system designed and developed by Google. It is derived from the open-source ChromiumOS operating system, and uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface. Google announced the project in July 2009, initially describing it as an operating system where applications and user data would reside in the cloud.

• Android: Android is an operating system developed by Google, designed primarily for smartphones and tablets, based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other free and open-source software.

• IOS: iOS is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple for its iPhone line of smartphones. It was unveiled in January 2007 alongside the first-generation iPhone, and was released in June 2007.

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