Submitted by katie on Tue, 02/01/2011 - 17:22
Your operating system (OS) is an essential part of your computer – it controls the most basic running of your hardware. It allocates memory, performs tasks and acts as the interface for the applications you use. Without an OS, software applications will not work and your hardware is basically useless. The most common operating systems are Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Generally any OS is compatible with any computer, with the exception of MacOS, which can only be used on a Macintosh computer.