A mobile operating system (OS) is software that allows tablets, laptops and other devices to run applications and programs.
A mobile OS typically starts up when a device powers on, presenting a screen with icons or tiles that present information and provide application access. Mobile operating systems also manage cellular and wireless network connectivity.
There are four key operating systems being used in schools in the UK
iOS – (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware. It is the operating system that presently powers many of the company’s mobile devices, including the iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.
Android – is a mobile operating system developed by Google, based on a modified version of the Linux kernel and other open source software and designed primarily for touchscreen mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Windows OS – The most widely used operating system for desktop and laptop computers. Developed by Microsoft, Windows primarily runs on x86-based computers
Chrome – is an operating system designed by Google that is based on the Linux kernel and uses the Google Chrome web browser as its principal user interface. As a result, Chrome OS primarily supports web applications.