How Operating Systems Function

Operating systems like Windows, Unix or Mac OS X are widely used and known but many users fail to be able to explain what an operating system actually does. Put simply, an operating system is the core software part that brings the computer hardware and software together.

The kind of operating system a computer uses is dependent on what kind of computer it is and what it is going to be used for. Most computers come pre-loaded with the operating system when you purchase them. Personal computers usually come pre-loaded with Windows, Apple computers usually are pre-loaded with the Macintosh operating system and servers use such operating systems as Linux and UNIX however there are hundreds of operating systems available if you have specific needs for them.

Not only computers make use of operating systems. They come in many electronic devices like cell phones, video game consoles and even in high tech fridges and coffee machines.

Software and hardware are managed by the operating system which controls all the functions and features of them. It manages the communication between applications and the computer hardware. It also makes sure that software and hardware will not run into conflicts while running on a computer system.

So called drivers are used so that the operating system can interact and work with the computer's hardware such as the video card or computer memory.

This keeps the individual software programs you have on the computer from needing to manage the details. Every aspect of you computer is managed by the operating system including your keyboard, your motherboard, your hard drive and your monitor.

The operating system works by recognizing input from the devices or software connected or installed. It then sends this information to the necessary recipient such as the hard drive or the monitor. From there the information is processed into output. For example when you move your mouse, the operating system detects the input from the ball inside of it, that information is sent to the monitor and the mouse pointer moves around he screen.

The operating system also plays a vital role in security. It prevents unauthorized users, programs and websites from accessing the computer system. This could be over a network, over the internet, or on the computer itself. Some operating systems allow you to set up more than one user and require a logon to that user account. This allows you to set different levels of permissions for each user and can help secure your data.