What is an operating system?
An operating system (SE or OS for Operating System ) is a set of programs that allows a computer to use its resources.
It allows, thanks to numerous operations, to ensure exchanges between the different components of a machine (processor, memory, peripherals). To simplify, it serves as an intermediary between programs and hardware resources, using drivers to communicate with components.
Appearing with the progress of computing in the 1950s, OSes have been composed in the same way since the 1960s.
The only difference is that today they are infinitely faster and more powerful, and can carry out a multitude of operations simultaneously.
Composed of a kernel managing basic functions (memory, processes, files, input/output devices), a command interpreter allowing communication with peripherals, and a file system allowing recording and data tree, OSes play several very important roles.
First of all, the OS manages the processor, and decides the volume that will be dedicated to this or that program. They are also responsible for managing the computers' RAM, by managing the spaces allocated to each application installed on the machine.
As explained previously, OS also manage peripheral inputs and outputs, as well as the execution of applications (each OS manages its own applications), rights and security, operation and reading of files, but also the different operating indicators of the machine.
Today, it's not just computers that depend on an operating system. Indeed, this is also the case for many devices such as smartphones, tablets or even video game consoles.
The main operating systems
By choosing a computer or a smartphone, we also indirectly choose an operating system. Most often, the latter depends on the brand of the product purchased. But, in the case of computers, it is also possible to buy blank OS machines, in order to install the one of your choice.
– PC operating systems
There are a multitude of computer operating systems, and some are dedicated to particular activities.
However, we can consider that 3 operating systems dominate the market, the first being Windows. Developed more than 30 years ago by Microsoft, it is the most used system in the world.
Preinstalled on more than 90% of machines sold, Windows seems omnipresent on the market. The latest Microsoft OS, Windows 10, was launched in July 2015, and remains very popular, although heavily criticized by users.
Aimed at the general public, Windows is not specific to any particular use and is modifiable to a certain extent. It is a relatively accessible operating system, even for beginners.
The second operating system in the “top 3” is Mac OS, Apple's operating system. Developed for Macintosh (the very first computer marketed by the brand), it has since been used on all the Apple brand's machines.
Its latest version, Mac OS X, is present on all new Apple computers. The great strength of this OS lies in its ergonomics (but also its design , which is not surprising when we know that the Product Design Engineer is one of the highest paid positions at Apple ) and it seems more intended for professional use.
With Mac OS, everything is designed to be easy to use, clear and readable. However, this ergonomics comes at a price, and the customization possibilities are very limited, with a very closed OS.
Finally, the third operating system is GNU/Linux. It is free software, which means that its modification, distribution and reproduction are authorized and facilitated. Based on the Linux kernel from 1991, this system requires a minimum of knowledge from users to be fully exploited.
Read also: Guide to ease your transition from Windows to macOS
Even if there are simplified versions of Linux, designed for the general public, they remain less intuitive than what Apple and Microsoft offer. However, due to its nature as free software, there are a multitude of Linux distributions, the best known being Ubuntu and Debian. GNU/Linux remains the most “modifiable” OS system of the three presented.
– On smartphones and tablets
With the arrival of smartphones and tablets in the 2000s, new types of OS were created.
Apple's iOS is one of the two main smartphone OSes on the market. Programmed on all of the brand's smartphones, it keeps the same promises as its big brother, the Mac OS. Indeed, its main assets are its ergonomics and ease of use, but once again to the detriment of customization.
Android, based on the Linux system, offers greater modification options, but can seem more complicated and less secure than its competitor at Apple. Installed on a large majority of smartphone brands, it is to date the most used OS in the world ahead of IOS.
Finally, we find Windows 10 mobile, the latest operating system for smartphones and tablets from Microsoft. The latter equips all of the brand's smartphones, and in particular those developed by Nokia, which belongs to Microsoft. However, abandoned by users, this OS is doomed to disappear, and has not been updated since October 2017. The smartphone market therefore seems to be doomed to a rivalry between Android and IOS.
Read also: The 10 Essential Linux Distribctions of 2024
How to choose your operating system?
As explained previously, each operating system has its own specificities. From a purely professional perspective coupled with ease of use, Apple and its Mac OS may represent the best alternative.
On the other hand, for an “all-public” machine, versatile and customizable, Microsoft Windows seems to be the most suitable. Finally, for those who have more computer skills and who wish to understand or even intervene in the functioning of the computer , they will have to turn to Linux.
As for smartphones, only Android and IOS remain. Once again, IOS will be the most suitable for simple use, while having excellent ergonomics. Conversely, although Android may seem more complicated, it is nonetheless more “customizable”.