What is an Operating System?
An operating system, often called an OS, is the unsung hero behind every computing device you use. Whether it’s your desktop computer, your smartphone, or even the servers running the websites you visit, an operating system is quietly working in the background to make sure everything runs smoothly. But what exactly does it do?
This article will take a deep dive into operating systems and by its conclusion you’ll have a better understanding of what exactly an operating system is, how it works, and which is right for your small business.
If you aren’t sure about which OS will best serve your business or want to get the most out of your current setup, a managed service provider is an excellent option. An MSP will handle all of the necessary updates and optimizations, while ensuring that your IT system grows with your business.
What Does an Operating System Do?
At its simplest, an operating system is the software that allows all the different parts of a computer – like the hardware and the applications you use – to communicate with each other. For the most part, your computer’s operating system will come preloaded on your devices, although custom built PC’s usually need to have an OS installed prior to being used.
Without an OS, your computer wouldn’t be able to do much of anything. It wouldn’t know how to open a document, browse the internet, or even load your desktop in the first place. The OS is what makes all these things possible, turning a mix of hardware into a useful, functioning tool.
A (slightly) Technical Explanation of How Operating Systems Work:
While an operating system (OS) makes using a computer seem effortless, it’s built on a complex foundation of interconnected components. These components work together to manage the computer’s resources, facilitate communication between hardware and software, and provide an interface for the user.
At a more technical level, the primary elements of an operating system include the kernel, file system, user interface, and device drivers. Understanding these components offers insight into how an OS functions behind the scenes.
The Kernel: Core of the Operating System
The kernel is the central component of the operating system, responsible for managing the computer’s hardware resources. It acts as a bridge between the software and the hardware, ensuring that each application gets the necessary resources to function.
The kernel handles memory allocation, process management, and input/output operations, making it the core control mechanism of the OS. It operates at the most fundamental level, coordinating everything from running applications to accessing peripheral devices like printers or storage drives.
The File System: Managing Data Storage and Retrieval
The file system is a critical part of the operating system that handles how data is stored and organized on a computer. It provides the file management structure that allows users and applications to save, retrieve, and organize files efficiently.
The file system organizes data into directories and files, ensuring that information is easily accessible. It also manages permissions and access control, determining who can view or modify specific files.
The User Interface: Facilitating User Interaction
The user interface (UI) is the component of the operating system that allows users to interact with their computer. This can be a graphical user interface (GUI), such as the desktop environment in Windows or macOS, or a command-line interface (CLI), where users type commands to perform tasks.
The UI simplifies complex operations, making the system user-friendly for people of varying technical expertise. By translating user inputs into actions the computer can execute, the UI serves as a vital connection between the user and the underlying system processes.
Device Drivers: Ensuring Hardware Compatibility
Device drivers are specialized programs that enable the operating system to communicate with the computer’s hardware components. Each device, from printers to keyboards, requires a specific driver to function correctly.
The driver translates the OS’s commands into a format that the hardware can understand, ensuring smooth operation. Without the appropriate drivers, hardware components would be unable to perform their tasks effectively, making drivers essential to the system’s overall performance.
The Different Types of Operating System
Operating systems come in various forms, tailored to meet the specific needs of different devices and environments. Desktop operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, are designed for personal computers, offering a balance between performance, usability, and functionality.
Server operating systems, on the other hand, are built to manage and run large-scale applications, often powering the backend of websites, databases, and corporate networks. These systems prioritize stability, security, and resource management, handling multiple users and processes simultaneously.
Mobile operating systems, like Apple iOS and Android, are optimized for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, and are built for ease of use, energy efficiency, and app compatibility.
Finally, embedded systems run on specialized hardware, such as smart devices (including thermostats, smart refrigerators, washing machines, and countless other internet of things [IOT] devices), automobiles, and industrial machines, where they are optimized to perform very specific tasks with limited resources.
The Most Common Operating Systems for PCs
When it comes to personal computers, three modern operating systems dominate the market: Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. Each of these operating systems offers unique features, catering to different needs and preferences.
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows is by far the most widely used operating system for PCs, powering millions of devices worldwide. Known for its user-friendly interface and extensive software compatibility, Windows is the go-to OS for most personal and business use.
As of July 2024, 72% of laptops and desktops were running a version of Windows.
One of the key advantages of Windows is its widespread support from software developers, which means that most applications, including popular productivity tools, games, and business software, are designed to run on Windows.
Windows also offers a high level of customization, allowing users to tailor their experience to their needs. From a business perspective, Windows is popular because of its enterprise-level features, such as integration with the Microsoft Office suite, security updates, and support for remote management tools.
However, its popularity also makes it a frequent target for malware and security threats.
macOS
macOS, developed by Apple, is known for its sleek design, strong focus on user experience, and seamless integration with other Apple products. macOS is the operating system used on Apple’s line of desktop and laptop computers, including the iMac and MacBook series. macOS is the second most popular operating system for personal computers and represents ~15% of the global market share.
One of the primary advantages of macOS is its stability and security, as Apple tightly controls both the hardware and software environments, reducing the likelihood of system crashes and security vulnerabilities.
For creative professionals, macOS is often the preferred choice due to its compatibility with high-end software for graphic design, video editing, and music production. Additionally, macOS integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, such as iPhones and iPads, allowing users to move effortlessly between different devices.
However, macOS is generally more expensive than other options, as it is only available on Apple hardware, which tends to command a more premium price compared to the more common Windows machines.
Linux
Linux is an open-source operating system that stands out for its flexibility, customization, and security features. Unlike Windows and macOS, which are proprietary systems, Linux is available in a variety of distributions (or “distros”), each tailored to different use cases.
Popular distributions include Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. Linux is particularly favored by developers, IT professionals, and tech enthusiasts because of its robust security, stability, and the freedom it offers to modify the system as needed.
While Linux has traditionally been considered less user-friendly than Windows or macOS, recent distributions have made significant strides in improving ease of use. Many Linux distributions now offer intuitive graphical interfaces that resemble the look and feel of other mainstream operating systems.
Linux also tends to be more secure against malware and viruses, as its open-source nature allows a global community of developers to quickly address vulnerabilities. However, it may not be the best choice for users who rely on proprietary software, as many applications, especially industry-specific ones, are not available on Linux.
Getting the Most Out of Your Operating System
Choosing the right operating system is an important decision for your business, but to get the most out of your choice requires ongoing management and support. Whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or Linux, ensuring that your systems are secure, up-to-date, and functioning optimally is essential for your business’s efficiency and productivity. This is where partnering with a managed service provider (MSP) can make all the difference.
A managed service provider offers the expertise and resources to keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly, allowing you to focus on what matters most – growing your business. By working with an MSP, you can ensure that your operating systems are always optimized for performance and security, allowing you to get the most out of your investment.
Whether you need help with initial setup, ongoing support, or scaling your IT infrastructure as your business grows, an MSP provides the tailored solutions you need to stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.