You turn on your computer, log in and.... voilà! The desktop, the icons, the start menu - these are all elements of the operating system. Without it, your hardware would be useless. But what exactly is this hardware? What functions does it perform? It's time to explain it!

What is the operating system?

The operating system is the software that manages a computer's hardware and resources. It is a kind of "brain" of the device, without which it could not work. Imagine that a computer is a factory. In that case, the OS (Operating System) would be its director, who coordinates work, assigns tasks and makes sure everything runs smoothly.


It is impossible to use a computer without an installed system. It is responsible for running programs, controlling peripheral devices (such as a printer or mouse) and managing files. The OS is the interface between the user and the hardware. Thanks to it, even a user without IT knowledge can efficiently manage complex processes on the computer.

What are the basic tasks of the operating system?

OS has many important tasks:

  • manages the CPU and decides which program currently has access to the CPU's processing power,
  • Allocates RAM to running applications and makes sure they don't "bite" each other,
  • communicates with connected hardware, such as a keyboard, disk drive or graphics card,
  • Allows you to write, read and organize data on the disk,
  • It also provides a graphical or character environment to communicate with the user.

If the operating system were the factory director, these tasks would correspond to managing employees, machines, the warehouse and dealing with customers. Without efficient system software, using a computer would be very difficult, and for an ordinary user - practically unfeasible. It is what makes sure that all the computer's components work together flawlessly.

Construction of the operating system

The structure of the operating system may seem complicated, but it can be simplified to three main elements.

  1. Kernel - The heart of the system, which communicates directly with the hardware. Among other things, it is responsible for program execution and processor time allocation.
  2. Coating - An easy-to-use interface. It can be in graphical (GUI) or character (CLI) form. It is the shell that you deal with on a daily basis.
  3. File system - A way of organizing data on storage media. Allows you to write, read and organize files.

The whole structure works together so that you can use your hardware comfortably. The kernel, shell and file system form a cohesive whole that manages your computer's resources and makes them available to you in an accessible way.

Types of operating systems

You can find quite a few operating systems on the market. No one needs to be introduced to Windows - is Microsoft's flagship product, used on most personal computers. The latest version is Windows 11, which introduces a refreshed interface and many improvements.


On Apple devices, the kingdom is macOS - software designed for Mac computers. This system is famous for its intuitiveness, aesthetic interface and excellent integration with other Apple devices.


Although Windows absolutely dominates the PC market, it has several alternatives. One of them is Linux - an open source system that has many distributions such as Ubuntu and Fedora. It is not very popular among classic users, but many programmers and people more familiar with the IT industry value it. For this reason, Linux is steadily gaining ground, especially in server and embedded applications.


Among the mobile systems leading the way are Android from Google and iOS from Apple. The former is used on smartphones and tablets from a variety of manufacturers, giving a wide choice of devices in different price ranges.


The second is available exclusively on iPhones and iPads - and is renowned for its excellent security features. Both systems offer an intuitive touch interface and plenty of useful features.

How have operating systems evolved?

System software has come a long way from its humble beginnings. The first systems, such as DOS and Unix, had a purely text-based interface - using such a UI required a lot of knowledge on the part of the user. Over time, graphical environments emerged - Windows and macOS - which made it much easier to use the computer. Today, the systems offer intuitive interfaces, touch support, voice control and a whole host of solutions that the pioneers of computing could only dream of.


With the growth of the Internet and mobility, operating systems have had to adapt to new challenges. Today, no system could do without integration with the cloud or data synchronization between devices. There is also increasing talk of artificial intelligence and machine learning, which improve user interaction and streamline many tasks.


What will operating systems look like in ten or twenty years? Will interfaces become even more natural, perhaps based on gestures or thoughts? Will the boundary between the local device and the cloud completely blur? One thing is certain - they will continue to evolve to meet user expectations.

Operating system - your digital assistant

System software makes sure that everything in your computer works as it should. It's what makes it convenient for you to run applications, browse the Internet, play multimedia or create documents. The OS is a kind of assistant for you, working hard so that you can focus on your tasks.


It is worth appreciating the role that system software plays in our daily lives. Without it, using technology would be much more difficult and less enjoyable.

FAQ

  • Is it possible to use a computer without an operating system?

No, a computer without a system is not suitable for normal use. It needs software to manage its operation and provide the user with an interface. Without an operating system, a computer is just a collection of components that can't work together.

  • Which operating system to choose?

If you care about compatibility and software availability, bet on Windows. Do you value design and have other Apple devices? Choose macOS. And if you are an advanced user and like to have full control over the system, try Linux. It's also worth considering what software you'll need and whether it's available for your particular system.

  • Can the operating system be changed?

Yes, the system can always be changed, as long as the hardware meets the requirements of the new software. However, this involves formatting the disk and losing data, so it's a good idea to make a backup beforehand. Remember, too, that changing the system may require getting used to the new interface and features.

  • How to take care of the operating system?

Above all, update it regularly so you have access to the latest patches and features. It's also a good idea to clean up your disk from time to time, uninstalling unused programs and scanning your system for viruses. Also remember to back up important data, in case your system or disk crashes. Such preventive measures can save you many problems in the future.