What are operating systems? An operating system (OS) is a set of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. (Wikipedia). That's what you'll find on Wikipedia, in my opinion, that's what actually makes your computer work. Every computer has one at the bank, they have one, big companies have one, so does Burger King. There are many types of operating systems. Such as real-time operating system, multi-user, multi-tasking and single-tasking. There are many more than these 4. They make them for families, schools, businesses, gamers, etc. To give people an idea of ​​what some of them do, I've summarized some of the big ones to explain what they do. This one is more aimed at families. It is a real-time operating system. A very important part of an RTOS is managing the computer's resources so that a particular operation runs in exactly the same amount of time, every time it occurs. In a complex machine, making a part move faster simply because system resources are available can be just as catastrophic as not making it move at all because the system is busy (how the system works). The next big problem for families is (single user), (single task) operating system. This operating system is designed to manage the computer so that a user can efficiently do one thing at a time (how works). It helps organize your computer and makes it easier to perform simple tasks like running Word or PowerPoint programs. The one that most people use is the multitasking operating system. They are normally found on laptop or desktop computers. It is the new version of Windows 8 which also allows users to open more than one thing at the same time. It can split your window in half so you can have...... middle of paper...... radio. Since this feature is highly timing dependent, a real-time operating system is required (http://www.osnews.com). The second allows you to run many of the little things you have, like APs on phones, I Pads or Kindles. They help load new updates for them. As they said on (http://www.osnews.com) it is very slow, so the main OS still has to run the device. (http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/814.aspx)(http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397570,00.asp)Work citedencyclopedia.com . 2009. November 16, 2013. http://www.brighthub.com/computing/windows-platform/articles/814.aspx. 2013. http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/o/os.htm. June 4, 2013. November 16, 2013. http://www.osnews.com. 2008. November 16, 2013. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2397570,00.asp. November 16, 2013. Wikipedia. October 30, 2013. November 16. 2013.