Getting Information 8. UNIX is a computer operating system. An operating system is the program that controls all the other parts of a computer system, both the hardware and the software. It allocates the computer's resources and schedules tasks. It allows you to make use of the facilities provided by the system.
Every computer requires an operating system.
UNIX is a multi-user, multitasking operating system. Multiple users may have multiple tasks running simultaneously. This is very different than PC operating systems. UNIX is a machine independent operating system. Not specific to just one type of computer hardware.