Hardware components are designed to perform “a” certain type of function. Operating system is the piece of software which integrates hardware controls and software controls, in essence laying a foundational layer so that a computer can perform basic tasks. Further, when we want to use computers for more complex tasks then we use application designed to perform these tasks.

Think of a computer running Windows 7 or windows 10 operating system, but no application such as Internet Explorer, Chrome, Word or Excel etc. One can still use a system running Windows 7 to project display on the screen, use a mouse, CDROM or screen etc, but cannot write a letter or read a document using word or spreadsheet created in Excel, because it does not have Microsoft office installed on it.

Operating system provides fundamental software layer for a computer system. Other layers such as different types of applications are really what makes these computers so useful.