Digital Lingo – Operating Systems

The digital world has a vast number of terms that most of us never need to understand. There are some though, where a common understanding can help us communicate better with the technical folks that we rely on to do those techie things for us. We’re going to look at some of those over the next few weeks.

First up, operating systems. An operating system is the core software, or computer programming, that runs a digital device. It’s basically the equivalent of the human body’s nervous system. Some parts of it operate in the background, like breathing, and some parts are only active when an input command is given, like picking up a cup of coffee.

The most used operating systems for desktop computers and laptops are Windows and Mac. Those are likely terms you know, as they are well branded. If you normally use one, then try the other, you’ll soon realize how different they are in terms of accessing files, using short-cut commands, or even formatting a document.

Smart-phones also have operating systems. The most used at present are iOS and Android. Apple iPhones use the “i” Operating System, abbreviated to iOS. Android is used by almost all of the other smart-phones, including Google’s Pixel, Samsung, and LG. There are many opinions on the pros and cons of these two systems, but most agree that the iOS offers more privacy and security, while the Android system is more customizable and compatible with other devices.

If you’re buying a new computer or phone, do your own research before shopping. Switching from an Apple operating system to Windows or Android, or vice versa, can be a painful process. There are a few links below to get you started.

Android vs iOS

• Why Choosing Between Android and iOS Still Matters
• Android vs iOS: which mobile OS is right for you?
• iOS vs. Android: Which Is Better for You?
• Android vs. iOS

Windows vs Mac

• Windows vs Mac: Which is Better in 2018?
• Mac vs. Windows: Which Should You Buy?
• Mac vs. PC