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An '''operating system''' is a set of basic instructions that allow [[computer]]s to perform basic tasks for people. It is responsible for displaying the graphics on screen and outputting sound to the speakers, controlling input from the mouse and keyboard, allowing [[hardware]] to work properly, interfacing with other computers on a [[network]], and storing and retrieving data. The most common operating systems today are [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Apple Computers|Apple]] [[OS X]], and [[Linux]]/[[BSD]].

An '''operating system''' is a set of basic software that allows [[computer]]s to perform basic tasks for people. It is responsible for displaying the graphics on screen and outputting sound to the speakers, controlling input from the mouse and keyboard, allowing [[hardware]] to work properly, interfacing with other computers on a [[network]], and storing and retrieving data. The most common operating systems today are [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Apple Computers|Apple]] [[OS X]], and [[Linux]]/[[BSD]].

== Structure ==

== Structure ==

An operating system is defined into two basic parts:

An operating system is defined into a few basic parts:

* The '''[[BIOS]]''', which handles all hardware related things. Often a computer has a BIOS integrated within its hardware, though some operating systems such as [[Linux]] are independent of this BIOS.

* The '''[[BIOS]]''', which handles all hardware related things. Often a computer has a BIOS integrated within its hardware, though some operating systems such as [[Linux]] are independent of this BIOS.{{fact}}

* The '''[[Kernel]]''', which handles all software related things and acts as a interpreter between applications and the BIOS.

* The '''[[Kernel]]''', which handles all software related things and acts as a interpreter between applications and the hardware.

* User Interface - Software that draws forms, toolbars, menus, main task bar, etc.

== Sources ==

== Sources ==