what is an computer operating system ?

Answer 1

The program that makes the computer work the way it does. Windows XP & VISTA are both operating systems. LINUX is also an operating system. There are several, but Windows is by far the most commonly used on PCs. Mac computers have their own Operating Systems such as OS10.

Answer 2

The operating system is a just a program. Except it's purpose is to let the user install and run other programs (in turn or simultaneously) while sharing resources such as storage space. It also provides some common functions, such as hardware access.

In other words, you could have a computer whitout an operating system, but you could not install applications (you'd have to start each of them in turn from a bootable device), and every single application would need to have its own drivers for talking with different video cards, writing to the HDD, etc.

Answer 3

An operating system (OS) is a computer program that manages the hardware and software resources of a computer. An operating system process electronic device rationally to approved commands. At the foundation of all system software, an operating system performs basic tasks such as controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing system requests, controlling input and output devices, facilitating networking, and managing files. It also may provide a graphical user interface for higher level functions. It forms a platform for other system software and for application software.

Answer 4

are you serious!? it is a SYSTEM that OPERATES the computer, it is the basis that all the other software runs off of.
Popular operating systems for computers include OS X, Windows XP, and any LINUX distribution.

Answer 5

There are many LINUX operating systems. Here are some links to them and other useful sites -