Operating systems manage computer hardware and software so that devices can perform a wide range of functions. The OS in your desktop computer, for example, allows multiple applications to run at the same time while providing a consistent user interface and overall system performance. The OS also tracks system activities and controls system resources, ensuring that the computer behaves consistently and predictably.
The operating system in your laptop, smartphone or tablet uses a similar architecture, although with much more limited functionality and user interaction capabilities. Mobile phones, for example, don’t have a mouse or keyboard and instead use touch screen interfaces to control the device. This new type of user interface has led to a proliferation of different types of operating systems, including those for Android and iOS devices, as well as for many third-party apps.
Modern OSs provide an array of other functions, including file management and networking capabilities. They often support virtualization, which enables different virtual environments to run on the same physical machine and share memory and hardware resources. They also include features to handle memory management, such as paging and segmentation. These techniques help the CPU keep track of primary memory, indicating to the program what areas it can access and what parts are protected. If a program attempts to access an area that’s protected, it triggers an interrupt and the CPU switches to supervisor mode.
Other modern OS features include cloud integration, universal app frameworks and cross-platform compatibility to ensure a consistent experience across different devices and platforms. They’re also leveraging machine learning for predictive analytics and optimization, including power management. And they’re continuing to evolve to support a growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with unified interfaces and advanced security features.