Overview:  If computer hardware can be compared to the human body, then the operating system is like the brain. It controls and routes the various commands you enter (open text editor, shutdown system, create folder, etc) to the required area for processing. The operating system (OS) is composed of different files collectively known as the Kernal. The Kernal is the core files required in an OS.

Most operating systems contain additional programs, accessories or utilities to make using an OS more user friendly. The Microsoft Windows Explorer is a utility that spares the user from accessing directory and file structures from the command line. The same goes for Icons for programs. It saves users from opening all programs from the command line. Many operating systems can be installed without the bundles utilities. Linux for example, can install just the core files it needs to run your computer. This saves time installing and saves space on the system.

Info:   The Operating System portion of this site may be a bit confusing at first. We have provided information for the most popular choices and this may be a bit misleading. We'll try to give you a bit of background on your choices here.

First, Linux, Solaris, IRIX, HPUX, and BeOS are all based on an early version of UNIX. As each developer changed things within the UNIX kernal, they copyrighted the version they had created and sold it under a new name. So, many of the OS listed have a similar kernal. However, over time they have been developed with particular options not available across the board. Solaris won't run software designed for the HPUX flavor of UNIX. Nor will LINUX run IRIX programs (though the same program may be developed for some or all of the above mentioned operating systems). In addition, some hardware may not be available for use with all the various operating systems.

Second, we only provide information about the most current version of an operating system. This doen not mean that an older version will not satisfy your requirements. Many offices still use Windows 95 or Solaris 5.1 but, we are trying to keep you informed about your options with the latest and greatest.

Finally, we hope the information on this site will answer all your questions about operating systems but if you find that we are not providing detailed enough information, please email us and tell us where we are falling short.