Operating systems (OS) are the foundation of every computer. At first glance, the operating system seems like software that lets you use a laptop, but it's doing much more than that under the surface. They constantly manage memory, organize your files, handle input and output devices, and ensure users and programs only access the resources they are allowed to. No matter what operating system you use, it's essential that the hardware and users can work together in a reliable, secure, and efficient way.