Not sure what operating system you’re running?
Use the Lifewire System Info Tool below to find out!
Examples of Operating Systems
Laptops, tablets, and desktop computers all run operating systems.
Microsoft Windows 10.
You’ve probably heard of most of them.
(Unix and Linux are open-source operating systems.)
Your smartphone runs a mobile operating system, probably either Apple’s iOS or Google’s Android.
Linux Mint.
Some examples include Windows Server, Linux, and FreeBSD.
A piece of software will clearly say which operating systems it supports and will get very specific if necessary.
Software developers also often release other versions of their software that work with different operating systems.
It’s also crucial toknow if you have Windows 64-bit or 32-bitfor your operating system.
It’s a common question asked when downloading software.
Special types of software calledvirtual machinescan mimic “real” computers and run different operating systems from within them.
Operating System Updates
All modern operating systems have a built-in mechanism to keep the software updated.
In Windows, this is throughWindows Update.
Other operating systems work similarly, like when youupdate the Android OSordownload and install new iOS updates.
FAQ
There are three main operating systems for computers: Windows, Apple, and Linux.
The two main operating systems for mobile are Android and iOS.
Some Chromebooks, however, can also run Android apps and Linux apps.
Amazon tablets run Fire OS, which is a modified version of Android.
(Learn about thehistory of Fire OSand how it matches up to Android.)
Apple Watch runs onwatchOSwhile most other smartwatches use theWear operating system, Google’s operating system for wearable products.
