1. Operating Systems

2. Operating Systems
Operating systems provide a software interface that allows the user to control hardware components of a computer and its peripheral devices (printers etc).

3. Microsoft Windows
The Windows family of operating systems are used on the majority of personal computers.
Windows operating systems are manufactured by Microsoft.
Popular versions of Windows used today are Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

4. Versions
There have been several versions of Windows for various types of computers and devices over the years.
The Windows Mobile operating system is used in PDA’s and Smartphones.
Windows Server versions are used for various types of servers.

5. Apple
The Macintosh (Mac) operating system is manufactured by Apple and is used on Apple notebooks and desktops.
Apple also manufactures the iPhone operating system for its portable devices, such as the iPhone, the iPod Touch,and the iPad.

6. Unix and Linux
Unix is an older operating system used in many server environments.
Linux is a popular “Unix-like” operating system that has open source code. This means that individuals have access to the code and the ability to further develop the operating system.

7. Linux Continued
When referring to versions of the Linux operating system, the term “distribution” is used.
There are several distributions of Linux available as a free download or inexpensive purchase. This makes the Linux operating system a popular choice for inexpensive computers.

8. Understanding
Be sure to familiarize yourself with different versions of operating systems and their manufacturers.
It is important to understand which operating system will be the most efficient and cost effective when configuring a computer.