USING A COMPUTER

Operating systems

Operating systems are prepared for use and start automatically when the computer is switched on.

The most common operating systems in Europe are Microsoft Windows, Linux and Unix.

In the US, there are many computers of a different design, such as Apple, which use the Mac OS operating system.

Application software

Operating systems control the operation of a computer. But they only provide general computer management services, which are not sufficient to deal with custom tasks. So there is a need for other tools - applications - to perform specific user tasks.

Application programs are those that help the user to perform the required actions: writing letters, drawing pictures, creating data tables, etc.

The most commonly used application systems (packages) are:

- word processors (text editors)

• spreadsheets (electronic tables)
• database management systems
• graphical compilers
• layout systems
• telecommunications equipment
• integrated systems