2. What is an operating system?

There are two main categories of software. There is 'application software' with examples such as word processors, spreadsheets and databases. The other main category is called 'system software' which includes the operating system and utility programs.

Once your computer has begun booting up using the BIOS instructions in ROM, the operating system will be the first piece of software to be loaded up.

The operating system is needed to control everything happening in your computer. It controls the memory, the disks, the periperals and the application software.

Without the operating system your computer would just sit there doing nothing.