What is an Operating System
What is an Operating System (OS)?
An Operating System is like the manager of your computer.
It controls all the hardware (like CPU, memory, hard drive) and helps you run programs.
Without an OS, your computer would just be a pile of electronics that does nothing!
✅ Think of the OS like a hotel manager:
It assigns rooms (memory), handles check-ins (programs), and keeps everything running smoothly
Main Types of Operating Systems
1. Windows
Made by Microsoft.
Most popular OS for home and office computers.
Easy to use with lots of buttons and menus.
Examples: Windows 10, Windows 11.
Used for: Gaming, office work, basic web browsing.
2. macOS
Made by Apple.
Runs on MacBooks and iMacs.
Known for its beautiful design, smooth performance, and security.
Examples: macOS Ventura, macOS Monterey.
Used for: Graphic design, music production, coding, video editing.
3. Linux
Free and open-source (anyone can use and change it).
Not owned by one company — there are many versions like Ubuntu, Kali Linux, Debian.
More technical and customizable than Windows or macOS.
Preferred by hackers, programmers, and cybersecurity experts.
Used for: Servers, hacking, coding, cloud computing, cybersecurity.
Why Should a Future Ethical Hacker Learn About OSes?
Hackers often need to find weaknesses inside operating systems.
Knowing how Linux, Windows, and macOS work helps you break in (ethically!) or defend them.
Many hacking tools run on Linux (especially Kali Linux).
Some systems you will hack/test will be Windows-based, so you must understand both.
Key Things to Learn About Each OS
Key Things to Learn About Each OS:
Area What to Know
Files and Folders How files are stored and organized.
Users and Permissions Who can do what on a computer.
Processes What programs are running behind the scenes.
Networking How the computer connects to the internet or other computers.
Command Line Basics Typing commands instead of clicking buttons (very important for hacking!).
Quick Tips to Start:
Try using a Linux Virtual Machine (like Ubuntu) on your Windows or Mac computer.
Learn basic commands like ls, cd, mkdir, and pwd in Linux.
Explore Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to see running processes.
Simple Analogy:
OS Like a... Example
Windows Family car Easy to drive, great for most people.
macOS Luxury sports car Beautiful, smooth, but expensive.
Linux Toolbox Powerful, flexible, but you need to know how to use it.