Almost all the digital devices available today require an operating system to function. Without an operating system, your computer, tablet, smartphone, or smartwatch may not work as intended.
When you use a digital device, all the operations and programs are handled by the operating system. The OS is responsible for controlling the hardware and software components so that the devices can work appropriately. From booting to memory management and data security to load and execution, the OS is working in the backend to make your device fully functional.
To make use of your digital devices, you must be familiar with the operating systems your device runs on. But what are these programs, and what operating systems companies have developed them? Let’s explore.
Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the largest manufacturer of Windows operating systems. Microsoft Corporation, being a technology company, develops software, solutions, services, and devices for global customers and businesses.
The Windows operating system and other solutions developed by Microsoft have several versions and updates, including Windows 95, Vista, Windows 7/8/10/11, and more. Windows is one of the leading operating systems popular among end-users.
With each new Windows release or update, Microsoft continues to work hard to improve user experience. In addition, consistent actions are taken to enhance the hardware components and software applications to make Windows more compatible and accessible.
Windows 11 is the latest operating system version launched by Microsoft. Free upgrade is available to Windows 10 devices that meet the system requirements for downloading the latest OS version.
Apple
Designed by Apple, macOS is another sophisticated operating system that integrates the best functional features to deliver performance. Apple is among the most valuable operating systems companies in the world that produces digital gadgets like iPods, iPads, iPhones, Macs, and MacBooks.
Started by Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Apple has developed two most sophisticated operating systems, including macOS and iOS. While macOS is built to run over Mac computers, iOS is proprietary to iPhones. First released in 1999 and formerly known as Mac OS X until 2011, each version of macOS is attracting more customers with every new update.
With the development of the iPad and Apple Watch, Apple developed two more operating systems named iPadOS and watchOS. Since Apple builds, both the hardware and software, the products in the Apple ecosystem are known to be much compatible with each other.
The current major release of the Apple operating system is macOS Ventura. You can download this version from the Apple Mac Store. If you are finding any technical glitches after upgrading to the latest version, erase and reinstall macOS Ventura to fix the issue.
Linux
One of the noteworthy ways in which Linux is different from macOS and Windows is that it is not a proprietary program. It means that users cannot modify or distribute this operating system. Linux is an open-source OS that is available for free in multiple versions.
Ease of customization is something that offers a variety of options to the users to tweak the OS as per their understanding and preferences. Among all the operating systems available in the market so far, Linux is a favorite option for coders and programmers.
The programmers find it easier to tweak this operating system as per their specific requirements. Linux distributions, also known as distros, include kernel, system software, and libraries. Popular distributions include Debian, Ubuntu, and Fedora Linux.
More than 300 Linux distributions are maintained actively, including commercial ones. Some of the best Linux distros that you can try include KaOS, Alpine Linux, Kaisen, Linux Lite, and openSUSE, to name a few.
The proprietary operating system – Android, is developed by a consortium of developers called Open Handset Alliance, sponsored commercially by Google. Android is the primary operating system for most smartphones and tablets.
Since its release in the year 2008, it has gained immense popularity due to the features and performance that it delivers. The operating system is highly compatible with running over multiple devices, from smartwatches and tablets to smartphones.
Another operating system developed by Google is ChromeOS. It is a cloud-first operating system that offers an indifferent experience to enterprise users. As chromeOS deploys quickly, it reduces the cost of ownership and hence a cost-efficient OS for businesses.
Android 13 is the latest mobile operating system version, codenamed Tiramisu. This version is a major upgrade and the 19th in the Android row. It is available to download on Google Pixel smartphones and will soon be available for other phones as well.
The Conclusion
So, these were some of the giant manufacturers of the world’s most popular operating systems. Apart from these, you will find many renowned OS manufacturers, but they are yet to join the race. With rapid technological advancements, operating systems have become more powerful than ever.