ZIMSEC O Level Computer Science Notes: Software: Operating System 

  • An operating system, or “OS,” is software that communicates with the hardware and allows other programs to run.
  •  It consists of system software, or the fundamental files your computer needs to boot up and function.
  • Every desktop computer, tablet, and smartphone includes an operating system that provides basic functionality for the device.
  • An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer or handheld devices.
  • It manages the computer’s memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware.
  • It also allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer’s language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.
  •  The OS is a set of programs designed to run in the background on a computer system and provide an environment in which application software can be executed.
  • Operating systems are classified as either:
    • Personal computer operating system or
    • Mobile device operating system.

To access more topics go to the O Level Computer Science Notes page