1. The Operating System 2. What is an operating system? Operating systems contain a certain amount of parts which make up the rest of it 3. What are the different types? Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software.development and distribution Mac OS is a series of graphical user interfacebased operating systems developed by Apple Inc. for their MacintoshiOS (previously iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system developed and distributed by Apple Inc. Originally unveiled in 2007 for the iPhone, it has been extended to support other Apple devices such as the iPod TouchAndroid is a Linux-based operating system designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablet computers. Initially developed by Android, Inc.Microsoft Windows is a series of graphical interface operating systems developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft.BSD/OS had a reputation for reliability in server roles; the renowned Unix programmer and author W. Richard Stevens used it for his own personal web server for this reason. 4. What does an OS do? When a computer is first assembled, it is effectively cut-off from the world. It cannot receive input or provide output. The operating system is the software which makes the computer come alive. The operating system has three main functions to perform: Manage the computer resources: The task of looking after the computer is given to the computer itself, and in particular to the operating system. This must manage use of the CPU, allocation of memory, access to disk drives, control of printers and modems, and so on. All the input/output functions of the computer are controlled by the operating system. Interact with the user: For a computer to be of use its user must have some means of interacting with it. It is the operating system's task to provide a means of doing this which is easy, consistent, flexible and structured. Run applications: The application packages, such as word processors or spreadsheets, are what the user really wants to use. The operating system provides a means of executing them, and provides the programs with tools and services. These include commands which the application can use to fetch data from a hard disk, or to send data to a printer. With graphical operating systems, the application also utilizes the menu facilities and windows design offered by the operating system. 5. Advantages of a Windows OS There are several advantages to using theWindows operating system. Windows is widely used and is more familiar to consumers than a Macintosh computer. Microsoft has made certain programs important to know how to use. Microsoft Word and Excel are programs that everyone uses for school and work. Windows has also been proven to be a reliable and easy to use operating system. 6. Advantages of a Mac OS Mac OS X has several advantages overWindows. These include: -Mac OS X's Aqua UI takes up less system resources than Windows's Aero UI. -Mac OS X has better security (though it's by obscurity) than Windows and you are much less likely to get your Mac infected than a PC. -Mac OS X has a simple, easy-to-use interface perfect for Technophobics, Kids, and Geeks alike. It's easy enough for the home user, and powerful enough for the programmers.