Question

Define Operating system.

Answer 1

An operating system (OS), in its most general sense, is software that allows a user to run other applications on a computing device. While it is possible for a software application to interface directly with hardware, the vast majority of applications are written for an OS, which allows them to take advantage of common libraries and not worry about specific hardware details.

The operating system manages a computer's hardware resources, including:

Input devices such as a keyboard and mouse

Output devices such as display monitors, printers and scanners

Network devices such as modems, routers and network connections

Storage devices such as internal and external drives

The OS also provides services to facilitate the efficient execution and management of, and memory allocations for, any additional installed software application programs.

Answer 2

An Operating System is an piece of software which runs the computer. User’s DONT use operating system. It’s invisible !!! The other software and tools that we use talk to the OS and make things happen.

consider the analogy of car:

A driver (user) drives the car (computer).

But actually it’s the engine (OS) which rolls the car

Driver DO NOT interact with the engine directly

Instead he/she interacts with steering, brake, accelerator, clutch, gear etc. (other softwares)

These are then connected with the engine and let’s the driver control the car.