Supportsoft Glossary
Discover the language of innovation with our glossary, turning complex app development, web design, marketing and blockchain terms into clear, practical explanations.
How Operating Systems Manage Hardware and Applications
An operating system is a programme that provides the necessary functions (hardware management, user interfaces, network communications, etc.) for computers and other digital devices to communicate with each other. The OS allows computer users to perform multiple tasks at the same time without competing for resources and ensures efficient use of resources across all users. In addition, the OS provides many of the same functions for developers when they create applications.
Examples of common operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux-based distributions like Ubuntu and Fedora, Android, and iOS. Developing with an OS also allows developers to create and test their application's code without needing to know anything about how the underlying hardware works. An operating system is a critical and foundational piece of software that enables applications to run correctly and securely. An effective operating system provides users with an environment that is functional, secure, and able to support their workload across all levels of computing.