IT basics · Lesson 2 of 6 · About 8 minutes
Operating systems, apps, and files
Study the required lesson, then use the four questions to check your understanding.
Required reading
What is an operating system? · Microsoft · Free reading, no account needed.
Read the opening definition and “How an operating system works”. Stop before “How Windows 11 delivers a modern operating system experience”.
Open required reading ↗The reading opens in another tab. Return here for the checks.
Optional ITForMe explanation and example
An operating system, such as Windows, macOS, or Linux, manages the computer's hardware and gives applications services they can use. It handles tasks such as memory, device access, and file organization.
An application does a user task: a browser opens web pages, a spreadsheet works with tables, and an editor changes documents. Applications run using the operating system's services.
Files hold saved information; folders organize files. A document is data, the editor is an application, and the operating system manages access to the drive containing them.
Example: You open a text file in an editor and save it to a folder. The editor changes the document. The operating system handles access to the storage device and the file system.
Check your understanding
Choose one answer for each question. Feedback appears after submission.