Every phone, laptop and smart device runs an operating system — the master program that manages the hardware, runs your apps, and gives you a way to control it all. Learn what it does, meet the big ones, and practise real file-management skills in an interactive simulator.
By the end of this session, you should be able to:
Define an operating system and explain its purpose.
Identify the major functions of an operating system.
Compare operating systems on PCs and mobile devices.
Perform basic OS tasks such as file & folder management.
Recognize the OS's importance for efficient operation.
Every computer needs one program in charge of everything else. That program is the operating system.
An operating system (OS) is the main system software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources and provides common services for programs. It's the first thing that loads when you switch on, and it acts as the bridge between you, your apps, and the hardware. Why it matters: without an OS, a computer is just inert hardware — nothing would coordinate the processor, memory, storage and devices, and you'd have no way to run apps or manage files. Examples you use daily: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS.
Early computers had no OS — programs ran one at a time, loaded by hand. The 1960s brought batch and time-sharing systems; UNIX (1969) shaped everything after it. The 1980s–90s made computers personal with MS-DOS, then graphical systems like Windows and Mac OS. Linux arrived in 1991 as free, open-source software. Today Android and iOS put a powerful OS in every pocket.
List all the devices you own (desktop, laptop, smartphone, tablet, smart TV, game console, etc.) and identify the operating system each one uses. Write at least 300 words.
An OS quietly does many jobs at once. Here are its main functions — tap each to learn more.
The operating system sits between you (and your apps) and the raw hardware, translating requests both ways.
See how the operating system connects everything — from your click to the hardware and back.
Imagine you're browsing the web, listening to music, and editing a document — all at the same time. The OS is juggling all three: Process management gives each program CPU time in turns; Memory management keeps each app's data separate; Device management routes sound to your speakers and keystrokes to your document; and resource allocation makes sure no single app hogs everything. That smooth experience is the OS doing its job. (In your notebook: pick your own multitasking example and list which OS function handles each part.)
Explain how the operating system manages multiple applications running at the same time (e.g. browsing, music, and editing a document). Name the OS functions involved and what each does. Write at least 300 words.
Click any operating system to see its developer, features, pros, cons and typical users.
A GUI (Graphical User Interface) lets you control the computer with windows, icons and a mouse — easy and visual, used by Windows, macOS and phones. A CLI (Command-Line Interface) lets you type text commands — faster and more powerful for experts, and common on servers and Linux. Most systems offer both; the GUI is friendlier, the CLI is more precise and scriptable.
Compare Windows, macOS and Linux across each criterion. Tap any hidden cell to reveal it, or reveal all.
| Criterion | Windows | macOS | Linux |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | Very familiar, easy | Very polished, easy | Steeper learning curve |
| Cost | Paid (with device/licence) | Included with Apple hardware | Free & open-source |
| Security | Improving; biggest malware target | Strong; fewer threats | Very secure; open code |
| Performance | Good; varies by hardware | Optimised for Apple hardware | Excellent, even on old PCs |
| Software compatibility | Widest range of apps & games | Great creative apps; fewer games | Huge free software; some gaps |
| Typical users | Home, office, gamers, students | Creatives, designers, Apple fans | Developers, servers, tinkerers |
Group activity: each group takes one OS and presents its developer, features, advantages, disadvantages and common uses.
Practise real operating-system file skills in this safe simulator. Complete each task in the checklist — creating folders, renaming, copying, deleting & restoring, compressing, searching, and checking storage — then submit your completion to your instructor.
The essential vocabulary of this module. Type to search.
Five questions, two points each. Pick an answer for instant feedback, then enter your name and submit. (The 10-pt Practical Activity is in the File Lab above.)
Choose two operating systems and write a comparison report of at least 600 words (≈ 2–3 pages). Pick your pair below to see the required sections.
Every video from this module in one place.