Functions of the Operating System Booting Up The OS is the first thing that loads when you power on your device. It initialises hardware, checks systems, and prepares the computer for use.

What does operating system actually mean? Find out inside PCMag's comprehensive tech and computer-related encyclopedia.

An operating system is a collection (or suite) of programs that manages and controls the computer. Operating systems have many functions: A user interface is a program, or suite of programs that ...

A computer cannot function without an operating system unless it is an embedded system. An operating system is a collection or suite of programs that manages and controls the computer.

PCs connected to the internet in particular are then fundamentally less protected. However, the security functions of the operating system remain active, including malware protection.

Apple gives its operating systems a new coat of paint – as glassy as it is pastel. New functions are also on the way, including for Apple Intelligence.