If a computer only had hardware parts it would be completely useless.In order to use these parts you need and Operating System (OS).

When you first turn yourn your computer on, the OS is loaded from the hard drive to your RAM.The part of the OS that interacts with the hardware is called kernel.The part of the OS that interacts with user is called shell.A user can either use CLI or GUI.You are probably most used to GUI. 

If you use CLI you have to directly enter the commands in Command Prompt.GUI lets you use the OS with images,text and other graphics.

OSs can either be commercial software or GPL.Commercial License requires you to buy the OS.You also cannot modify it in anyway.A GPL lets you get it for free and lets you make changes to it.

 Different OSs have different requirements.Here are a list of some:

• Amount of RAM
• Hard disk space required
• Processor type and speed
• Video resolution

This article is still under construction 5/08/08 8:27 PM