An operating system is the collection of software that directs a computer’s operations; controlling and scheduling the execution of other programs; and managing storage, input/out, and communication resources. Some popular examples of operating systems are Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, Google’s Android OS, and others.
Operating systems are important to learn about because of their role in computing. Learners who become IT professionals must understand its critical function in managing a computer’s memory and processes, software and hardware, and other key functions.