Examples of mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google Android. Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are different from desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices. The operating systems we've been talking about so far were designed to run on desktop and laptop computers. For a more comprehensive list, you can visit MakeUseOf's list of The Best Linux Distributions. To learn more about different distributions of Linux, visit the Ubuntu, Linux Mint, and Fedora websites, or refer to our Linux Resources. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize. The advantages of Linux are that it is free, and there are many different distributions-or versions-you can choose from.Īccording to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global operating systems. This is different from proprietary software like Windows, which can only be modified by the company that owns it. Linux (pronounced LINN-ux) is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and distributed by anyone around the world. A GUI lets you use your mouse to click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text.Ĭheck out our macOS Basics tutorial for more information.

Modern operating systems use a graphical user interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey). The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, macOS, and Linux. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it's possible to upgrade or even change operating systems. Operating systems usually come pre-loaded on any computer you buy. The operating system coordinates all of this to make sure each program gets what it needs. Most of the time, there are several different computer programs running at the same time, and they all need to access your computer's central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage. Your computer's operating system ( OS) manages all of the software and hardware on the computer.

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What are the two mac os gui interfaces