Operating systems: the computer’s organiser — Computing, 7–10
An operating system coordinates the machine and gives apps a place to work. Computing, 7–10 years.
The organiser between you and the machine
An operating system is the main software that organises a computer, tablet or phone. It helps apps use the screen, keyboard, speakers, memory and storage without each app having to control them directly. It also gives you familiar ways to open apps, move between them and manage your work.
Why an organiser is needed
Without a shared organiser, every app would need separate instructions for every kind of device. Two apps might fight over the speakers, keyboard or storage. Operating systems grew from this problem: they provide common services and decide who may use each part, so app makers can concentrate on what their apps do.
Opening and saving a drawing
You tap a drawing app. First, the operating system starts the app and gives it some memory; when you draw, it sends your finger movements to the app and the picture to the screen. When you tap Save, the system lets the app write the picture into storage, then shows it in your files.
The app is not the whole computer
It is easy to think an app does everything because its window is what you see. In fact, the operating system may be carrying out many invisible jobs underneath. This is a reasonable mistake: the organiser is designed to stay out of your way, so you notice the app’s tools but not the system sharing the machine with it.
Everyday signs of an operating system
You meet the operating system when you unlock a device, install an app, choose a Wi-Fi network, change the volume or move a file. It also manages updates and asks for permission when an app wants the camera or location. You do not need to see its code to notice the jobs it coordinates.
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