An operating system is the software installed on a computer that connects the user applications to the hardware. This is also referred to as OS or O/S. Almost every computing device now runs an operating system to enable applications to be installed and removed and alter the use of a device. An example of a computing device that does not typically (at this time) run an OS is a standard calculator.

The articles in this section provide information on open-source operating systems.

Computer programs and applications run on top of the operating system. In some cases, the program is a layer between the OS and another application.

A program consists of instructions for a particular purpose. This layer enables a user to interact with the hardware inside the computer to execute calculations, send information to a printer, another computer or screen.

The articles in this section describe open-source applications that we are familiar with and their uses.