The operation of any computing devices is impossible without control programs. They are operating systems. What is a computer? This is a complex system consisting of a large number of different specialized unit blocks called components.
For example, a power supply unit converts an alternating mains voltage of 220 volts into a series of constants necessary for the functioning of the components; the video card processes the images and displays them on the monitor screen; the central processor is engaged in computing, etc. In other words, a computing system is a set of hardware components integrated into a single device. To coordinate the operation of all nodes, operating systems are needed. An important point: any of them can be installed on the computer (taking into account the capacity and other requirements).
To simplify the understanding of the term “operating systems”, you can use the analogy with a person: the hardware of the computer is the body; control programs are the nervous system and brain with a set of reflexes; and the application program is represented by thought, intention, idea. A command hierarchy is formed: thought - reflexes - body (action). Of course, this explanation is true only with reservations, but it allows you to explain "on the fingers" what operating systems are. In fact, they represent a kind of buffer between the program, components and the user.
No application can run outside the operating system. Even at the dawn of
computing, when in Windows, Linux, Mac OS, work was possible thanks to DOS. By the way, this abbreviation stands for disk operating system.
By the way of working, all such solutions can be divided into three groups: real-time, with separation, batch tasks. First, the intervention of the user (or external signals) in the process of performing calculations is allowed. Accordingly, the result changes. Sharing time involves performing several tasks, but with a fast processor switching between them, which creates the illusion of continuity. Intervention is also possible. But batch processing consists in forming a list of tasks and sending them for execution. You can only correct data between the packets.
Any operating system provides three types of interaction: the user and the application, programs and hardware components, data streams among themselves. For the convenience of the user, a graphical interface was created - a set of intuitive pictures, pictograms, working with which a person forms commands for the system (in the automatic "transparent" mode). All modern solutions are graphic. These include the Windows family, Linux, and the Apple operating system. Work through the
command line is now most often implemented as an add-on. The exception is highly specialized devices.
Since most users are not at all interested in exactly how the operating system installed on the computer works, the choice is made primarily for the convenience of interacting with the interface. It differs not only in appearance, but also in language. So, the Russian operating system is more popular in the countries of the former Union.