# Operating system

Concept · [Technical basics](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/technical)

Also called: OS, operating systems

The base software that runs a computer or phone, such as [Windows](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/windows), [macOS](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/macos), [Linux](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/linux), iOS or Android. Apps are built for one or more operating systems.

**For example:** A [founder](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/founder) decides to launch a desktop app on [macOS](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/macos) first, because most of the early customers use Macs.

## Connects to (9)

- [Server](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/server): A computer that stays on and connected to the internet so it can run your app and answer requests from people's phones and browsers.
- [Web app vs mobile app](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/web-app-mobile-app): A web app runs in a browser at a web address, on any device.
- [Windows](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/windows): Microsoft's operating system for personal computers, the most common one on office desktops and laptops.
- [macOS](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/macos): Apple's operating system for Mac computers.
- [Linux](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/linux): A free, open-source operating system family.
- [Apple Notes](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/apple-notes): The free note-taking app built into iPhones, iPads and Macs.
- [Ubuntu](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/ubuntu): A popular, free version of Linux made by Canonical, used on servers, in the cloud and on desktops.
- [openSUSE](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/opensuse): A free version of Linux made by a community project, used on desktops and servers.
- [Apple Shortcuts](https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/apple-shortcuts): An app on iPhone, iPad and Mac for building small automations that chain together actions across apps.

Map view: https://ecosystem.samcarlton.com/operating-system