While there are others, these are four most common types of operating systems available in today's desktops and laptops. With that said, there are many alternative operating systems available in 2025.

The computer's master control program. When a computer is turned on, a small "boot program" loads the operating system. Although additional system modules may be loaded as needed, the main part ...

As a step towards a useful and ultra-secure quantum internet, researchers have created an operating system that coordinates connected quantum computers, no matter what hardware they use ...