What Is an Operating System? Windows, macOS, and More Explained

If you’ve ever heard someone ask whether a computer uses Windows or macOS, they’re asking about its operating system.

An operating system is the main software that makes your computer work. It helps your computer run programs, manage files, connect to the internet, and communicate with the hardware inside the computer.

If you use a smartphone, you’re already familiar with the idea: Apple iPhones use iOS, while most other smartphones use Android. Computers work in a similar way: many PCs use Windows, while Apple Mac computers use macOS.

In this guide, we’ll look at what an operating system does, some of the most common computer operating systems, how Windows and macOS differ, and how to figure out which one your computer is using.

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What Is an Operating System?

An operating system, often shortened to OS, is the software that manages the basic functions of your computer.

It sits between you, your programs, and the physical computer.

Examples of what it handles:

• opening and running programs
• displaying windows, menus, and buttons
• managing files and folders
• connecting to Wi-Fi, printers, keyboards, and other devices
• managing memory and storage
• allowing multiple programs to run at the same time

You can think of the operating system as the manager of the computer. Your apps and programs ask it to do things, and the operating system coordinates the computer’s hardware so those things can happen.

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You Already Use Operating Systems

While you might be a bit unclear on what exactly “operating system” means, you already have experience using them:

Device	Common operating system
iPhone	iOS
Many Samsung, Google Pixel, and other phones	Android
Most PCs	Windows
Apple Mac computers	macOS
Chromebooks	ChromeOS

Note: Apple vs. Android isn’t exactly the same comparison as Windows vs. Mac.

A more accurate parallel is:

• iPhone → iOS
• Android phone → Android
• PC → Windows
• Mac → macOS

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Common Computer Operating Systems

Windows

Windows is Microsoft’s operating system and is used on computers made by many different manufacturers.

Examples:

• Dell
• HP
• Lenovo
• Acer
• Microsoft Surface

A Windows computer may be called a PC, although technically “personal computer” can refer to other computers too.

macOS

macOS is Apple’s operating system for Mac computers.

Examples:

• MacBook Air
• MacBook Pro
• iMac
• Mac mini

Unlike Windows, which runs on computers from many manufacturers, macOS is designed specifically for Apple Mac computers.

ChromeOS

ChromeOS is Google’s operating system used primarily on Chromebooks. It is designed heavily around web-based apps and cloud storage.

Linux

Linux is another family of operating systems. It is common in technology and server environments but is less common on everyday consumer computers, so this guide will focus primarily on Windows and macOS.

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Windows vs. macOS: What’s Different?

Windows and macOS can accomplish many of the same everyday tasks, but the buttons, menus, terminology, and keyboard shortcuts may be different.

Windows	macOS
Start menu	Apple menu / Launchpad
File Explorer	Finder
Taskbar	Dock
Control key shortcuts	Command key shortcuts
Settings	System Settings
Recycle Bin	Trash

If you’re following instructions written for Windows while using a Mac, the exact steps may not match, even though your computer can probably accomplish the same task.

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Does the Operating System Affect Which Programs You Can Use?

Some programs work on both, while others may only be available for certain operating systems.

For example:

• Microsoft Word is available on both Windows and macOS.
• Some Windows applications don’t have a Mac version.
• Some Mac applications aren’t available for Windows.
• Browser-based tools often work on either because they run through a website.

This is why websites sometimes ask: Download for Windows or Download for Mac?

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How Do I Know Which Operating System I Have?

If you have a Mac

Some obvious clues:

• Apple logo on the computer
• MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, etc.
• Apple menu in the upper-left corner of the screen
• Dock often appears along the bottom

If you have Windows

Clues:

• Windows logo/Start button on the taskbar
• computer may be made by Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, Microsoft, etc.
• File Explorer is used to browse files

If you have a Chromebook

• Chromebook branding on the device
• ChromeOS interface
• typically built around Google Chrome and Google services

If you know you’re using Windows but aren’t sure which version, see How to Check Which Version of Windows You Have.

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Operating System vs. Computer Brand

Although people may reference their computer brand to indicate which operating system they’re using, brands are not the same as operating systems.

Dell is not an operating system. HP is not an operating system. Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer, etc. manufacture computers that commonly run Windows.

Likewise:

Apple = company
Mac = computer family
macOS = operating system

Microsoft = company
Windows = operating system

Google = company
Chromebook = computer category
ChromeOS = operating system

Company/brand	Device	Operating system
Apple	MacBook	macOS
Dell	Inspiron laptop	Windows
HP	Pavilion laptop	Windows
Google/various manufacturers	Chromebook	ChromeOS

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Why Does Knowing Your Operating System Matter?

Knowing your operating system helps you:

• follow the correct instructions in tutorials
• download the correct version of software
• troubleshoot problems
• understand whether a program is compatible with your computer
• find the correct settings
• know which keyboard shortcuts to use

Throughout my tutorials, some instructions may differ depending on whether you’re using Windows, macOS, or another operating system. Knowing which one you have will make it much easier to follow along.

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