The operating system is the software that controls computer resources such as memory, the CPU, and connected devices. It also controls the programs running on the computer, and helps you install new devices. Most operating systems have a graphical user interface (GUI), which is a display form that uses graphics instead of complicated commands to represent actions. GUIs provide a broad range of options so that people of all abilities can use computers. Let’s look at how an operating system works.

Click the image below to start the simulation. This simulation should take 2-4 minutes to complete.