5. Online operating system

Up until recently, any applications that you wanted to use would have had to be installed and run from your computer.

The operating system on your computer is responsible for the installation and removal of applications. It enables you to use the programs by loading the application modules into memory (RAM). It is also responsible for handling the files you create such as saving them, moving, deleting or copying them.

However, in recent years online applications have become available and they are growing in popularity.

For example, if you wanted to use a spreadsheet or write a report, you could log into your account on the web and use the online software from your home computer, your netbook, your computer at school, in fact, anywhere with an internet connection.

You can also store any files which you create online rather than on your comptuer.

Because you are using the applications online, the operating system on your computer does not have to load the applications in and out of memory, install or remove them from the system or handle the files you create. Instead, an online operating system is responsible for performing all of these actions.