Hardware And Software: Different Types Of An Operating System

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Recommended: List three functions of an operating system

Chapter 4: Operating Systems

A computer is divided into hardware and software. Hardware is referred to any physical component of a computer system such as monitor, mouse, and hard drive. Software is a collection of instructions that allow the user to interact with a computer and perform tasks such as Internet browser, email programs/applications, and antivirus software. Similarly, an operating system is a software program that allows computer hardware to communicate and work with computer software.

We Will Learn:
• What is an Operating System?
• Functions of Operating Systems
• Types of Operating Systems

Introduction to Operating Systems
Operating system is the main system software of a computer. It acts as a bridge between hardware and software of a …show more content…

Linux:
Linus is a free and open-source operating system, which means that this system can be shared, used and edited free of cost and by anybody. It is a commonly used operating system for supercomputers.

We Have Learnt:
• An operating system acts as a bridge between hardware and software of a computer.
• Some of the functions of an operating system include hardware management, data management, multitasking, message transfer and multiprocessing.
• The different types of operating systems include MS-DOS, Microsoft Office, Mac OS and Linux.

Exercises
A. Fill in the blanks using the words in the box.

1. An operating system is a ________ program that allows computer hardware to communicate and work with computer software.
2. An operating system works as an interface between the __________ and the computer hardware.
3. An __________ performs basic tasks such as receiving input, processing information and sending output.
4. The latest version of Mac OS is called __________.
5. __________ is a commonly used operating system for supercomputers.

B. Match the following.
Term Function/Description
1. Mac OS a. performing more than one computer task at a time
2. Operating System b. Most commonly used operating

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