An operating system is software that manages computer hardware and software resources and also provides common services for computer programs. An operating system can ensure that applications continue to run when hardware upgrades and updates occur. It acts as in intermediary between programs and the computer hardware.

Windows is a series of operating systems released by Microsoft. It was created through a partnership formed between Paul Allen and Bill Gates in 1975. Originally, Windows was simply a GUI that was loaded on top of MS-DOS. But with the advent of Windows 95, Windows became an all-in-one operating system. Windows incorporates many applications including a web browser (Internet Explorer), a word processor (WordPad), a command line interface (Command Prompt), a file managing application (Windows Explorer), and much more.

Linux was originally developed as a free operating system and can be downloaded by anyone. It’s a system that allows you to run applications and perform desired functions on your computer. Originally, Linux was designed as an alternative operating system to Windows; however, they are meant to run on PCs, gaming consoles, DVRs, mobile phones, and many other devices. Android, which is a widely used operating system for mobile devices, is built on top of the Linux kernel. GNOME is a graphical user interface that runs on top of the Linux operating system, it consists solely of free and open source software. Its emphasis is on simplicity and accessibility. One company does not own Linux or update Linux. Instead, it’s a community of developers.

The Mac OS X is the operating system that could be run only on Macintosh computers that had Motorola processors. When Steve Jobs left Apple in 1985, the company tried to create a “next generation” OS through the Taligent Copland and Gerswin projects, with little success. The Mac OS is not