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What is an operating system and what does it do? |
Answer
The operating system is actually what makes a computer useable.
It handles the files and folders, the devices installed on the computer and the external devices connected to the computer.
Any application you run, is managed by the operating system. If your application wants to use the printer...
The operating system tells your application (a word processor say) which printers are available (if any). When you then print, the document, the operating system ensures the print data gets to the printer.
Windows 95, 98, 2000 and XP are examples of Microsoft operating systems.
OS-X is an example of an Apple MAC operating system.
There are others like, UNIX, LINUX etc..
Answer
An operating system is nothing more than a program that performs basic requests of the operator. It loads other applications, oversees disk and other I/O operations and frees memory and other resources when an application exits.
First answer by Chris Hale. Last edit by Chris Hale. Question popularity: 39 [recommend question]
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