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What Is an Operating System? Windows, Linux, and macOS Explained

Understand operating systems and how they manage hardware and software. Compare Windows, Linux, and macOS features for IT support and system administration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What this playlist answers

5 questions this playlist covers — skim them for a quick takeaway, or dive into the videos above for the full picture.

An operating system manages processes, memory, files, and hardware devices while providing a user interface that allows interaction with the computer. It acts as an intermediary between hardware and software applications. Windows is widely used in enterprise environments with a GUI-focused interface. Linux is open-source, highly customizable, and common in servers and development. macOS is Apple's Unix-based system used in creative and professional computing. IT professionals must understand OS installation, configuration, user account management, file systems, and troubleshooting to support users, maintain systems, and resolve technical issues effectively. The kernel is the core component of an operating system that manages hardware resources, including memory, CPU scheduling, device communication, and process management. It runs continuously in the background. Common tasks include resolving boot failures, fixing driver conflicts, managing disk space, resetting user credentials, repairing corrupted files, and configuring network settings within the operating system.