Five Common Operating Systems

The operating system serves as the intermediary between the user and the software on all computing devices.

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The operating system is the computer's most important piece of software. It manages the hardware resources, determines which programs are compatible with the system and executes those programs when the user decides to run them. Its influence on the nuts and bolts of computer operation makes it a major determining factor when it comes to the user's experience. A given operating system has not only its own functionality, but a unique look and feel that creates a specific environment. Each of the world's major operating systems has its own passionate following, prompting endless debate on which is superior, and for what. Learning about them in the face of this shifting competitive landscape requires understanding certain basics principles.

Ubuntu is based on a version of the Linux operating system known as Debian GNU/Linux. Its main benefit is that it's free and open source. This means users can alter the code as they see fit. Ubuntu also stands out because it's updated once every six months, unlike other open source programs that have no strict upgrade schedule. Most Ubuntu-compatible software is also free and available in on-line software "repositories." Users can try Ubuntu on their PC using the program's "Live CD" mode. This allows you to run the system without actually installing it on your computer. Because Ubuntu programs are less ubiquitous than those for more well-known systems, users may need to do some research before finding the software solutions they need.

Android is a "mobile" operating system maintained by the Open Handset Alliance, a group of companies and organizations that contribute to the system's development under the management of Google Inc. The system is an "open standard," meaning that an entire community of developers can alter the software, not just Google. Android comes pre-installed on smartphones and tablet PCs for which it was designed. As of the date of publication, all four major smartphone carriers -- Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T -- have Android devices available. A variety of manufacturers also make Android-compatible devices. One of the main benefits of the system's open source status is that developers can create different versions of its basic programs, allowing users greater freedom to customize their mobile devices.

While a version of Mac OS X comes pre-installed on all Apple Macintosh computers, users must pay if they wish to use newer versions when they become available. The system is not open source, so only Apple developers have the ability to legitimately make alterations or improvements to its code. It differs from other computer operating systems in that it only works on Apple computers. Its key feature is its usability. The most recent version as of the date of publication includes a "resume" feature that re-opens applications in the same state they were in when you last closed them. It also includes a "Mission Control" feature, which allows you to see all of your open files at a glance.

IOS is Apple's mobile operating system. It runs on the company's iPod, iPhone and iPad devices. Like Mac OS X, it can only be used on Apple's mobile devices. One advantage of iOS is that more applications are available for it than for any other mobile operating system. As of summer 2011, it has approximately 400,000 to Android's 300,000. This increases the chances that users will find the type of app they're looking for. The system's key features include multitasking support, which allows users to run multiple apps simultaneously, and FaceTime, a video chat program that comes pre-installed on iOS devices.

Windows is an operating system owned and operated by Microsoft. It differs from open source systems in that only Microsoft has the ability to make changes to the code. However, it also differs from Mac OS X in that it can be installed on a variety of different computers from a host of competing manufacturers, offering the user more freedom of choice when it comes to hardware. According to Net Market Share, Windows is the most widely used operating system. The latest version as of the date of publication includes touchscreen support, which combines the usability of a touchscreen tablet with the power of a desktop computer. It also features "Play To" and "Remote Media Streaming," which allow you to play media from your computer on other devices in its vicinity and to access your media when you're away from your computer.

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