The document discusses three key components of an operating system: the loader, programs and instructions, and the user computer interface. The loader loads all programs and instructions from backup storage into main memory after boot up so the user can start working. Programs and instructions contain the programs that can run on the computer and the instructions that tell the computer how to perform functions and actions. The user computer interface is the point of human-computer interaction that includes displays, keyboards, mice, and desktop appearances, allowing users to interact with applications and websites.