OPERATING SYSTEMS AND SOFTWARE

The Operating System
Computers without operating systems are exactly like televisions without a signal: It will turn on, but you will be looking at a blank screen with no hope of interacting with it (the lights are on, but nobody’s home)! The most popular operating system is “Microsoft Windows,” and it is utilized by most personal computer (PC) users. It is what you are using today in class. It is a program that acts as the brains of the computer, allowing you to run other programs, work on projects, and do basically everything else that computers are capable of. There are many different
versions of Microsoft Windows, and a new version is released every couple of years (just like car models).
There are other operating systems as well. Apple manufactures a computer called a Macintosh, or Mac.Macs use an operating system called “Mac OS X” which, while it looks very different from Microsoft Windows, runs using the same basic principles. While fewer people use Macs than PCs, schools often use Macs, as well as people who work with graphic design and video and image editing. As a general rule, Macs tend to be more expensive than PCs. You shouldn’t ever need to mess with the operating system. It should run correctly and without error for as long as you have your computer. In fact, if you ever take your computer in for a repair, the technician will be looking primarily at your operating system (not your programs) in the same way that a mechanic will look at your car’s engine.
The operating system of your computer is so important, that any computer you buy will be sold with one already installed and ready to go (so outside of choosing between a PC and a Mac, you don’t really need to worry about the operating system except to make sure you get the newest or most appropriate version). In addition, popular software programs are also often already installed on computers, so all you have to do is plug your computer in and go!
Computer Manufacturer (e.g. Lenovo)
Computer is called a PC
Operating System is Windows
Apple
Computer is called a Macintosh (Mac)
Operating System is OS X
12