What are Operating Systems (OS)?
An Operating System (OS) is software that manages all the hardware and software on a computer or mobile device. It acts like a middleman between the user and the device’s hardware, making sure everything works together. The OS controls things like memory, files, and devices like printers or speakers.
Examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, and Android. When you turn on a device, the operating system helps it run smoothly by launching programs, managing storage, and allowing you to interact with the device. Without an OS, a computer or smartphone wouldn’t function properly.
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List of Operating Systems and Their Developers
1. Desktop and Server OS
Operating System | Developer/Organization |
---|---|
Windows | Microsoft |
macOS | Apple Inc. |
Linux | Community-based (e.g., Ubuntu by Canonical, Fedora by Red Hat) |
UNIX | Developed by AT&T and Bell Labs; now maintained by various organizations |
Chrome OS | |
FreeBSD | Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) |
AIX | IBM |
Solaris | Oracle Corporation |
MS-DOS | Microsoft |
2. Mobile OS
Operating System | Developer/Organization |
---|---|
Android | |
iOS | Apple Inc. |
HarmonyOS | Huawei |
KaiOS | KaiOS Technologies |
Tizen | Samsung |
BlackBerry OS | BlackBerry Limited |
Symbian | Nokia |
Palm OS | Palm, Inc. |
3. Legacy OS
Operating System | Developer/Organization |
---|---|
MS-DOS | Microsoft |
Symbian | Nokia |
BlackBerry OS | BlackBerry Limited |
Palm OS | Palm, Inc. |
PYQs on Operating Systems
Q1: In the world of Computers, what is ‘Ubuntu’? [CHSL 2019]
A. A firewall developed by Microsoft
B. Open Source Linux Operating System
C. An ERP system from SAP
D. Latest financial software package by Infosys
Q2: Linux is ______. [CHSL 2020]
A. an interpreter
B. an operating system
C. an assembly language
D. a high-level language
Q3: AIX is the operating system of which company? [SSC-CHSL 2019]
A. Apple
B. Unisys
C. IBM
D. Microsoft