All computers must have system software in order to function. Without system software, a computer can not function. When a computer is turned on, the system software goes on automatically. The system software drives the CPU. It also controls the other input/output devices.
The most common operating systems for
IBM-compatible computers are Windows 95, 98 or 2000 and
Windows NT. Disk Operating System, also known as DOS,
is found on IBM-compatibles. These operating systems, developed by
Microsoft, dominate the personal computer market. WARP-OS is
another IBM-based operating system.
Apple's Macintosh computers use the Macintosh Operating System (Mac OS). System 9 is the newest Mac OS. Although the Mac OS is not as popular as other operating system, it has made a large mark in the microcomputer market. The Mac OS was the first windows-based operating system.
A new operating system, LINUX, is starting to catch on. It is free, stable, and can be used on both IBM-compatibles and Macintosh computers, so many users are starting to use this O.S.
