An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It controls computer resources like memory and disk space, manages peripheral devices, and allows users to interact with the computer without knowing how it works internally. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and Linux. When a computer is turned on, the operating system loads and takes control of the computer's functions, allocating resources and ensuring all hardware and software components receive what they need. Microsoft Windows is the most widely used operating system, preinstalled on most PCs and able to be purchased separately. Mac OS is Apple's proprietary operating system preinstalled on Mac computers, accounting for around 7.5% of the market

1. I Learn Computer *Operating Systems *Microsoft Office

2. What is an Operating System? An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It controls the memory needed for computer processes, manages disk space, controls peripheral devices, and allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing exactly how a computer works. Without an operating system, a computer is useless . The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows , Apple Mac OS X , and Linux

3. BOOT your Computer Booting is the process that occurs when you press the power button to turn your computer on. At the end of that process, the operating system loads. From this point, the operating system begins to do its job of controlling the way in which the computer functions . The operating system is responsible for managing the computer's hardware and software resources . Basically, the operating system serves as the boss, or manager, and makes sure all the various parts of the computer get what they need.

4. Microsoft Operating Systems Even though Microsoft has a long list of Operating systems, we will be listing the ones we use and see the most in our everyday’s life. Windows 9x (Windows 4 Series) family Windows XP Windows Server 2003 Windows Vista Windows Server 2008 Windows 7 Windows CE

5. Microsoft created the operating system, Windows , in the mid-1980s Windows comes preloaded on most of the PCs sold today, and can also be purchased separately Various versions of the software are priced from $79 to $399 for home users. Microsoft has a big share of the operating system market. According to web analyst Net Solutions, over 90% of computer users have one of the Windows operating systems

6. Apple OS Mac OS X Server 1.0 Hera Public Beta 10.0 Cheetah 10.1 Puma 10.2 Jaguar 10.3 Panther 10.4 Tiger 10.5 Leopard 10.6 Snow Leopard

7. Mac OS is a line of operating systems created by Apple Inc Mac OS comes preloaded on all new Macintosh computers, or Macs. According to web analyst Net Solutions, Mac OS users account for almost 7.5% percent of the operating systems market Mac computers are sleek and modern looking, which has started to appeal to many home users.

8. Linux Operating Systems Linux is a Free Operating System build based on the open source software collaboration. (Ubuntu) and (Red Hat) are the most popular distributions toady. Linux can be used in servers, and a wide variety of computer hardware, ranging from embedded devices, mobile phones and even some watches and supercomputers. Any individual or company can take Linux and modify and add to it. Linux is extremely popular in businesses , especially for servers, because it is adaptable. According to Net Application statistics, Linux represents under 1% of the market share for home users, but it does offer an alternative to commercial operating systems.

9. Despite being used in many businesses for servers, you do not have need to have special programming skills to download and use Linux. In fact, if you want to try Linux, you don't have to actually install it on your computer. Several versions of the operating system can be downloaded and burned to a CD.

10. Challenge! What is an operating system ? Is it software? You are viewing this lesson on a computer. Do you know what operating system the computer is using? If not, find out. Visit the Microsoft , Apple , and Linux websites to learn more about each operating system. Search the Internet for articles that compare Windows Vista and Mac OS X. If you have a PC and currently use an older version of Windows, such as Windows XP, search for articles comparing Windows Vista with Windows XP . Gather information from Microsoft and other reputable sources to determine if an upgrade is right for you.