what is an operating system?

Answer 1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operating_system for a detailed answer..

but in short, it is the cheif software that runs your PC. Microsoft intrisuced Vista from their older XP recently. Mac uses a linux operating system. Read the info for more from the link :)

Answer 2

An operating system (OS) is the software that manages the resources of your computer. It processes raw data and user input, and responds by allocating and managing tasks and internal system resources as a service to users and programs of the system. An operating system performs basic tasks such as controlling and allocating memory, prioritizing system requests, controlling input and output devices, facilitating networking and managing file systems. The operating system forms a platform for other system software and for application software. Linux, Mac OS, and Windows are some of the most popular OS their is to date.

Answer 3

The operating system is simply a big program that provides a "platform" for the other programs to run on. For example, Windows is an operating system, and games like Doom 3 or Solitaire run "on" it.

Oh, BTW, Mac OS X is NOT based on Linux. It is based on a BSD Mach kernel.

Answer 4

the main host software that runs on your computer
it helps control, process information on the computer

basically your computer is useless and lost without the operating system to give it instrution on what to do and how to do the task