| An
operating system is the basic software element of your computer.
Your operating system performs many functions and is what allows
your computer to communicate with the world outside. The operating
system installed on your computer is what makes your mouse, keyboard,
monitor, and many other parts work properly. Operating systems
use a driver to communicate with the various components installed
on your computer. This is the reason you are often asked to install
additional drivers onto your computer when installing a new component,
such as a printer. A
driver is a program designed especially to understand the operation
of the component it interfaces with, such as a printer, CD-ROM,
or sound or video card. The commands from your operating system
are translated by the driver, which makes the specific device
function properly. Absent the correct driver, your components
would not function. Your operating systems also provides for
various other functions such as your system tools and your libraries.
Operating systems
are notorious for containing bugs and other mistakes that cause
them, and your computer, to function improperly or fail to function
at all under certain circumstances. Failure of your operating
system or one of its components can cause your system to crash,
leave you with a security breach that could allow outsiders
to access your personal information, or cause your printers
and other external devices to fail to perform correctly.
No matter what type
of computer or operating system you use, make sure to check
frequently for updates and security patches. You will spend
far less time downloading these fixes and updates than you will
trying to fix problems caused by a flaw in your operating system.
There are several operating systems from which to choose, with
most computers having the operating system installed before
it is purchased. Your operating system is the lifeline of your
entire computer. Make sure you check for updates and patches
often. Your entire computer could fail due to breaches in the
security of your operating system. |
