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Cyber Security Tip ST04-021
Understanding Your Computer: Operating Systems
The operating system is the most fundamental program that runs on your
computer. It serves as the basis for how everything else works.
What is an operating system?
An operating system (OS) is the main program on a computer. It performs a
variety of functions, including
* determining what types of software you can install
* coordinating the applications running on the computer at any given time
* making sure that individual pieces of hardware, such as printers,
keyboards, and disk drives, all communicate properly
* allowing applications such as word processors, email clients, and web
browsers to perform tasks on the system (e.g., drawing windows on the
screen, opening files, communicating on a network) and use other system
resources (e.g., printers, disk drives)
* reporting error messages
The OS also determines how you see information and perform tasks. Most
operating systems use a graphical user interface (GUI), which presents
information through pictures (icons, buttons, dialog boxes, etc.) as well as
words. Some operating systems can rely more heavily on textual interfaces
than others.
How do you choose an operating system?
In very simplistic terms, when you choose to buy a computer, you are usually
also choosing an operating system. Although you may change it, vendors
typically ship computers with a particular operating system. There are
multiple operating systems, each with different features and benefits, but
the following three are the most common:
* Windows - Windows, with versions including Windows XP, Windows Vista,
and Windows 7, is the most common operating system for home users. It is
produced by Microsoft and is typically included on machines purchased in
electronics stores or from vendors such as Dell or Gateway. The Windows
OS uses a GUI, which many users find more appealing and easier to use
than text-based interfaces.
* Mac OS X - Produced by Apple, Mac OS X is the operating system used on
Macintosh computers. Although it uses a different GUI, it is
conceptually similar to the Windows interface in the way it operates.
* Linux and other UNIX-derived operating systems - Linux and other systems
derived from the UNIX operating system are frequently used for
specialized workstations and servers, such as web and email servers.
Because they are often more difficult for general users or require
specialized knowledge and skills to operate, they are less popular with
home users than the other options. However, as they continue to develop
and become easier to use, they may become more popular on typical home
user systems.
_________________________________________________________________
Authors: Mindi McDowell, Chad Dougherty
_________________________________________________________________
Produced 2004 by US-CERT, a government organization.
Note: This tip was previously published and is being
re-distributed to increase awareness.
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