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Windows, Linux or Mac OS X are operating systems. They are the backbone of a computer system managing the computer hardware and software. It controls the computer after the BIOS has been loaded by loading drivers to support the hardware and software programs that run on the hardware.

The kind of operating system a computer uses is dependent on what kind of computer it is and what it is going to be used for. Most computers come pre-loaded with the operating system when you purchase them. Personal computers usually come pre-loaded with Windows, Apple computers usually are pre-loaded with the Macintosh operating system and servers use such operating systems as Linux and UNIX however there are hundreds of operating systems available if you have specific needs for them.

While operating systems are usually associated with computers they can be found in many other electronic devices from cell phones over video game consoles to PDAs.

Software and hardware are managed by the operating system which controls all the functions and features of them. It manages the communication between applications and the computer hardware. It also makes sure that software and hardware will not run into conflicts while running on a computer system.

So called drivers are used so that the operating system can interact and work with the computer's hardware such as the video card or computer memory.

The operating system provides the software programs with hardware information which means that the applications do not have to add their own routines to work with the hardware. The operating system manages all hardware of a computer system.

The operating system works by recognizing input from the devices or software connected or installed. It then sends this information to the necessary recipient such as the hard drive or the monitor. From there the information is processed into output. For example when you move your mouse, the operating system detects the input from the ball inside of it, that information is sent to the monitor and the mouse pointer moves around he screen.

Security is another part of any operating system. They are usually making use of so called computer profiles which are associated with one user or a user group. Authorization can take place locally but also over a computer network or the Internet. Users and user group can have different authorization levels enabling or permitting them from using certain functions and features of the operating system.