Chapter 3
Understanding Operating Systems
In This Chapter
Discovering what an operating system is
Understanding the types of operating systems available
Choosing the right operating system for a desktop or notebook PC
Identifying some operating systems for tablets and smart phones
Finding out how operating systems communicate with hardware
When you think about using a computer, you probably envision performing some useful task with it, like writing a letter or calculating a budget. Behind the scenes, however, is the software that keeps the computer up and running: the operating system.
This chapter explains what an operating system actually does back there behind the scenes, and why your choice of operating system matters. You’ll learn about the operating systems used on different kinds of computers, and which ones are best suited to certain tasks and situations.
What Is an Operating System?
An operating system (OS) is software that starts up a computer and keeps it running and responding ...
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