Operating System

Extracted Attributes

• Interface Types

  Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command-Line Interface (CLI)

• Primary Function

  Resource management and hardware-software mediation

• Specialized Types

  Real-time (RTOS), Embedded, Network (NOS), Distributed, and Batch systems

• Linux Market Share

  1% (as of November 2025)

• macOS Market Share

  4% (as of November 2025)

• Android Market Share

  38% (as of November 2025)

• Windows Market Share

  33% (as of November 2025)

• iOS/iPadOS Market Share

  15% (as of November 2025)

Timeline

• Unix is developed as a multiuser operating system and is among the first written in the C language. (Source: TechTarget)

  1970-01-01

• Microsoft introduces the first version of the Windows GUI-based operating system. (Source: TechTarget)

  1985-11-20

• Windows 95 is released, driving rapid development in personal computing. (Source: TechTarget)

  1995-08-24

• David Friedberg discusses the evolution of Large Language Models (LLMs) into the core operating system for devices on the All-In Podcast. (Source: Document 2cf5ab1f-dc45-42bf-972a-e8b91910262b)

  2023-09-29

• Android is recorded as the most popular operating system globally with a 38% market share. (Source: Wikipedia)

  2025-11-01

Operating system

An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Time-sharing operating systems schedule tasks for efficient use of the system and may also include accounting software for cost allocation of processor time, mass storage, peripherals, and other resources. For hardware functions such as input and output and memory allocation, the operating system acts as an intermediary between programs and the computer hardware, although the application code is usually executed directly by the hardware and frequently makes system calls to an OS function or is interrupted by it. Operating systems are found on many devices that contain a computer – from cellular phones and video game consoles to web servers and supercomputers. As of November 2025, Android is the most popular operating system with a 38% market share, followed by Microsoft Windows at 33%, iOS and iPadOS at 15%, macOS at 4%, and Linux at 1%. Android, iOS, and iPadOS are operating systems for mobile devices such as smartphones, while Windows, macOS, and Linux are for desktop computers. Linux distributions are dominant in the server and supercomputing sectors. Other specialized classes of operating systems (special-purpose operating systems), such as embedded and real-time systems, exist for many applications. Security-focused operating systems also exist. Some operating systems have low system requirements (e.g. light-weight Linux distribution). Others may have higher system requirements. Some operating systems require installation or may come pre-installed with purchased computers (OEM-installation), whereas others may run directly from media (i.e. live CD) or flash memory (i.e. a LiveUSB from a USB stick).

Web Search Results

• 9 Types Of Operating Systems, Advantages & Disadvantages - Unstop

  ## Conclusion Operating systems are the backbone of modern computing, serving as a vital interface between users and machine hardware. They not only manage system resources but also enable smooth multitasking, efficient memory management, and secure data handling. With a range of OSs available—from widely used ones like Windows, macOS, and Linux to specialized systems in industrial and mobile environments—each brings unique capabilities tailored to different user needs. [...] | Type | Description | --- | | Batch Operating System | Processes jobs in batches without user interaction during execution. | | Multi-Programming OS | Allows multiple programs to run concurrently, optimizing hardware use. | | Time-Sharing OS | Distributes computing resources among multiple users by dividing time into small segments. | | Real-Time OS | Provides immediate processing with strict timing constraints for tasks critical to operations. | | Distributed OS | Coordinates multiple computers to operate as a single system over a network. | | Network OS | Manages resources and communications across networked computers. | | Mobile OS | Designed for mobile devices, focusing on user interface and power efficiency. | [...] Unstop Logo Search Iocn Search Icon Chat Icon Notifications icon avatar Host Icon Host Business icon For Business Home Icon expand icon # 9 Types Of Operating Systems, Advantages, Disadvantages & More Schedule Icon Like Icon Bookmark Icon Share Icon 9 Types Of Operating Systems, Advantages, Disadvantages & More An operating system (OS) is a crucial component of any computer or mobile device. It bridges hardware and software, managing resources and providing essential services to applications and users. Different types of operating systems are tailored for various devices and user needs, from personal computers to industrial control systems.

• What is an Operating System (OS)? | Definition from TechTarget

  Windows, Microsoft's flagship operating system, is the de facto standard for home and business computers. Introduced in 1985, the Microsoft Windows GUI-based OS has been released in many versions since then. The user-friendly Windows 95 was largely responsible for the rapid development of personal computing. Mac OS is the operating system for Apple's line of PCs and workstations. Unix is a multiuser operating system designed for flexibility and adaptability. Originally developed in the 1970s, Unix was one of the first OSes to be written in the C language. Linux is a Unix-like operating system from the open source community that was designed to provide PC users a free or low-cost OS alternative. Linux has a reputation as an efficient and fast-performing OS. [...] Instead, the OS handles many system-level software tasks, including sending a network packet or displaying text on a standard output device, such as a display. The system software serves as an intermediary between the applications and the underlying computer and hardware functions. The OS provides a consistent and repeatable way for applications to interact with the hardware and other system-level functions without the applications needing to know any details about them. [...] ### Networking Transparent to the user, the OS automatically connects a workstation to networkwide resources by deciphering network protocols and connecting to networks. This enables a single user to access network printers and servers that are hosted on the network. ### Security Using policies defined and authorized by IT, the OS enforces security access controls and encryption for users, applications and data. ### Performance monitoring and error detection The OS continually monitors computer performance and produces system logs that assist in fine-tuning for optimal performance and resolving issues that concern resource utilization, performance slowdowns and bottlenecks, and error resolution. ### Backup and recovery

• Operating system - Wikipedia

  The operating system provides an interface between an application program and the computer hardware, so that an application program can interact with the hardware only by obeying rules and procedures programmed into the operating system. The operating system is also a set of services which simplify development and execution of application programs. Executing an application program typically involves the creation of a process "Process (computing)") by the operating system kernel "Kernel (operating system)"), which assigns memory space and other resources, establishes a priority for the process in multi-tasking systems, loads program binary code into memory, and initiates execution of the application program, which then interacts with the user and with hardware devices. However, in some [...] As of November 2025( Android "Android (operating system)") is the most popular operating system with a 38% market share, followed by Microsoft Windows at 33%, iOS and iPadOS at 15%, macOS at 4%, and Linux at 1%. Android, iOS, and iPadOS are operating systems for mobile devices such as smartphones, while Windows, macOS, and Linux are for desktop computers. Linux distributions are dominant in the server and supercomputing sectors. Other specialized classes of operating systems (special-purpose operating systems), such as embedded and real-time systems, exist for many applications. Security-focused operating systems also exist. Some operating systems have low system requirements (e.g. light-weight Linux distribution). Others may have higher system requirements. [...] 55. ^ Silberschatz, Abraham (1994). Operating System Concepts, Fourth Edition. Addison-Wesley. p. 32. ISBN "ISBN (identifier)") 978-0-201-50480-4. When an interrupt (or trap) occurs, the hardware transfers control to the operating system. First, the operating system preserves the state of the CPU by storing registers and the program counter. Then, it determines which type of interrupt has occurred. For each type of interrupt, separate segments of code in the operating system determine what action should be taken.

• What is an Operating System (OS)? - Premio Inc

  # Why operating system is important? An operating system (OS) significantly enhances software development by providing essential services that streamline application functionality. Without an OS, every application would need its own user interface and extensive code to manage low-level tasks like disk storage and network communication. This would not only increase application size but also complicate development. [...] ### What is the most important function of an operating system? The most important function of an operating system is to manage and allocate system resources effectively, ensuring efficient operation of applications. ### What are the different types of operating systems? Types of operating systems include desktop OS (e.g., Windows, macOS), server OS (e.g., Windows Server, Ubuntu Server), mobile OS (e.g., Android, iOS), real-time OS (e.g., VxWorks, FreeRTOS), and embedded OS (e.g., Embedded Linux, Windows IoT). ### How do operating systems ensure security? Operating systems ensure security through user authentication, access controls, encryption, firewalls, antivirus programs, and regular updates to fix vulnerabilities. [...] - Ubuntu Desktop: One of the most popular Linux distributed operating systems due to its ease of use, extensive community support, and regular updates. It provides a user-friendly environment ideal for both newcomers and experienced users. - Linux Mint, Fedora, and others offer various features and user experiences tailored to different preferences. 2. Embedded Operating Systems Designed for specific, often resource-constrained, devices like embedded systems, these operating systems are tailored to run specialized hardware efficiently: Embedded Linux: Versions of Linux designed to run on embedded systems such as routers, smart devices, and industrial automation systems. Windows IoT: A streamlined version of Windows designed specifically for IoT devices.

• What is an Operating System? | IBM

  Process management: An operating system manages the execution of multiple processes and threads, including tasks like scheduling, synchronization and communication between processes. User applications interact with the OS through system calls to create, manage and terminate processes and facilitate interprocess communication. For example, in integration-centric business process management (BPM), the OS plays a key role in ensuring smooth interaction between various software systems. As IT teams or system operators integrate a CRM system with other enterprise applications, the OS manages APIs, allocates resources and secures data flow, enabling automated processes with minimal human intervention. [...] IT infrastructure # What is an operating system? ## What is an operating system? An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages a computer’s hardware and applications by allocating resources, including memory, CPU, input/output devices and file storage. A user interacts with an operating system through a user interface (UI), which issues commands in a language the OS can understand. The UI can be either a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command-line interface (CLI). Billions of people rely on operating systems as the underlying management system for tasks like sending emails, browsing the internet, playing video games and more. [...] ### Network operating systems A network operating system (NOS) is software that manages and coordinates the hardware and software resources of multiple computers connected in a network. It enables communication between devices, file sharing and resource management across the network. A NOS typically includes features such as network security, user authentication and centralized administration, allowing system administrators to control access and configure settings across all connected devices. Examples of network operating systems include Microsoft Windows Server, Cisco IOS and macOS Server. ### Cluster operating systems