An operating system is the most critical software that runs on a computer; it acts as an intermediary between software and computer hardware. It is a platform that enables you to run other software applications utilizing the machine’s hardware. Most of the software applications of any machine rely on the operating system to synchronize the functions with the hardware.
The operating system is responsible for handling all the computer’s hardware resources such as:
- I/O devices
- Internal and external storage devices
- Network-based devices such as Routers/modems
- Other peripherals
The operating system is also responsible for allocating and utilizing memory and the tasks associated with the execution of memory slots and their management. To summarize, the operating system provides a platform for the users and the software to use the software and hardware in an integrated fashion.
Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and so on are all operating systems.