The Operating System

About the Operating System

The Operating system is a fundamental software of a computer, controlling all basic operations of the computer  The Operating System is the base on which the user installs and executes third-party applications (commonly called apps for short) usually adding extended functionality to the device.

Among the most popular computer operating systems are Microsoft's Windows and Windows Phone and Apple's Mac OS and iOS, Google's Android and Chrome OS and the various distributions of Linux kernal.

Among the most popular OS's for mobile devices are Apple's iOS and Google's Android and they are the only ones that still show growth. Down the ranks there are RIM's BlackBerry OS and Microsoft's Windows Phone. Symbian holds a distant place, when merely 5 years ago it was still the most widely used mobile OS.

Symbian held its top position for years but its market share has been slowly fading away ever since touch-operated smartphones became the norm and Symbian failed to deliver an intuitive touch UI. Almost ten years ago, Microsoft's Windows Mobile was a strong player too, offering the first touchscreen smartphone experience with the PocketPCs powered by their OS.

Today mobile devices with a proper OS are called smartphones and users have a wide choice of applications, such as games, productivity apps, communication or social media apps, digital maps, etc.

Standardized operating system platforms make it possible to provide a consistent user interface (and experience) across devices from different hardware manufacturers. Yet, Android smartphone manufacturers like to customize the user experience so each offers a slightly modified version of the stock Android UI.

While the major players these days are clear, over the years we've seen the emergence of numerous mobile OS projects including but not limited to LG's webOS, Tizen, BlackBerry's Playbook OS and more recently, the Jolla's Sailfish OS and Mozilla's Firefox OS.

Choosing the right operating system

Choosing the right OS is very important. It will decide the way you use your smartphone.

 1. Now, if you're the one who will walk into the store, buy a smartphone and use what's provided out of the box, Apple's iOS will suit you. iOS gained popularity for its simple and elegant user interface. The home screen (as simple as it can get) is a grid of horizontally scrollable app icons with a dock in the bottom to pin your frequently used apps. Also, if you own a Mac or you use iTunes, iOS will be perfect for you.

2. But, on the other hand, if you're the person who wants to personalize your phone to the fullest, have access to the widest range of applications or maybe you want a mobile device for development purposes, Google's Android will suit you. It offers customization that is second to none! It offers you with the widest range of devices with the most powerful hardware you can think of. It also gives importance to the user's choice. Don't like the way your homescreen looks? No problem! Just download a replacement from the Google Play Store. And it's not only about the home screen! It's about almost everything in the system software! Also, if you are a heavy Gmail user, your business uses Google Apps, you're into YouTube(ing) or you prefer Google Play Music/Movies/Newsstand/Keep, go for Android..... you won't regret it.

3. If you are more of the Microsoft guy, with your work email on Microsoft Exchange or you want stellar productivity of Microsoft Office on the go or if you simply love Microsoft's Modern User Interface, go for Microsoft Windows Phone. It's the most elegant & fluid operating system. Sporting a homescreen of vertically scrollable Live Tiles which are simply boxy icons which dynamically update on the go to provide you with live information. 

This is the second installation in the Inside your smartphone series. The first part about the Processor is right here.