The full form of OS is Operating System. It's the software program that manages a computer's hardware and software resources. The operating system acts as a bridge between the user and the computer's hardware, allowing the user to interact with the computer and run applications.
Examples of operating systems include:
- Windows (Microsoft)
- macOS (Apple)
- Linux (various distributions)
- Android (Google)
- iOS (Apple)
Key functions of an operating system include:
- Managing memory: Allocating and managing the computer's memory.
- Handling input/output: Controlling devices like the keyboard, mouse, monitor, and hard drive.
- Running applications: Providing a platform for software to run.
- Providing a user interface: Allowing users to interact with the computer.
- Security: Protecting the system from unauthorized access.