- Operating systems are the foundation of almost all devices, with Windows, Linux and Apple as the main players and a strong commitment to permanent connectivity.
- Linux dominates servers and many gadgets, while Windows concentrates on the desktop and faces major challenges in security, performance, and global dependency.
- The evolution includes integrated AI, a focus on video games, mobile privacy control, digital education, and open architectures as a response to new challenges.
- Quantum operating systems like Origin Pilot are emerging, expanding the traditional concept and anticipating profound changes in the computing of the future.
Operating systems have become central to almost everything we do with technology: from working on a computer to watching a show on TV, playing games on a console, or checking the weather on our phones. They're in PCs, phones, consoles, servers, cars, routers, televisions, and even smart thermostats. Windows, the various Linux distributions, and Apple's Darwin-based systems (macOS, iOS, tvOS, etc.) are the most well-known names, but behind every device is complex software that coordinates the hardware and applications so that everything works with apparent ease.
In recent years, operating system news has shifted from focusing on simple cosmetic updates to reporting on global cyberattacks, computer blackouts, vendor lock-in controversies, new processor architectures, desktop-integrated artificial intelligence, software quality disputes, changes in the mobile ecosystem, and even the emergence of quantum operating systems. All this while the average user simply wants their PC to boot quickly, their mobile phone to stop receiving spam calls, and their games to run smoothly.
What is an operating system and why does it matter today?
An operating system is the fundamental software that manages memory, the processor, storage, and peripherals , and provides the foundation upon which applications run. Without it, the hardware would essentially be a collection of inert parts. This middle layer decides how resources are allocated among programs, how data is stored on disk, and how devices connect to the internet.
In our daily lives, we encounter three major families of operating systems among general users : Windows, which dominates the traditional desktop; Linux distributions, with their open-source ecosystem; and Apple's proprietary systems, based on the Darwin Kernel, which power macOS, iOS, and tvOS, among others. Each has its own design philosophy, business model, and surrounding community.
Beyond the PC, modern computing relies on a vast network of servers that manage our cloud backups, email, online gaming, and video streaming. Most of these machines run on some server-oriented Linux distribution , which has made Linux the de facto standard in the backend world, even though its share of the home desktop remains small.
A significant portion of the consumer devices we call "gadgets" are also based on Linux kernels adapted to each specific application : smart TVs, routers, IoT devices, watches, set-top boxes, and, of course, the vast majority of Android smartphones. In fact, Android can be considered the most widespread Linux distribution on the planet, although most users are unaware of this.
In the entertainment sector, many modern consoles conceal modified versions of familiar systems . Current Xbox consoles rely on a base derived from Windows 10; the PlayStation 4 uses Orbis OS, a system built on FreeBSD 9; and the Nintendo Switch uses a proprietary system, inherited from the one used in the Nintendo 3DS, developed internally without being directly based on a popular desktop operating system.
Linux: from a desktop minority to a silent pillar of the internet
While Linux has a relatively small presence on home desktops , its true importance is best understood by looking at other applications: data centers, supercomputers, public and private clouds, streaming platforms, and banking services. The vast majority of these critical systems run on Linux distributions adapted and hardened for servers, which require robust Linux system administration.
This dominance is due to several reasons: being open-source software facilitates security auditing and adaptation to specific needs ; the community and large companies collaborate to improve the kernel; and long-term stability is a priority, crucial when a failure can cost millions of euros. This has made Linux almost an unwritten standard in the server world.
On the user side, there's also a growing trend toward choosing Linux as an alternative. Even players in the PC gaming industry are more actively supporting this ecosystem . A relevant example is Michał Kiciński, owner of the digital store GOG, who has expressed his intention to more strongly support the use of Linux, criticizing Windows for being, in his opinion, "low-quality software."
This stance reflects the feelings of a part of the gaming and technical community that considers the dependence on Windows to be excessive , especially when errors in the Microsoft system cause performance problems, failures after updates, or serious vulnerabilities that force a last-minute reaction.
Meanwhile, the Linux desktop is striving to simplify the experience for novice users . There are free, open-source operating systems that offer increasingly polished graphical environments, easy installers, and tools for managing software without needing to use the terminal, aiming to lower the barrier to entry for those coming from Windows or macOS.
Windows: between hegemony and major global scares
Windows remains the undisputed king of the traditional desktop and a critical platform for businesses and public organizations . This means that any massive failure in this ecosystem has a ripple effect on entire sectors. The most recent example was a global computer outage linked to Windows systems that affected airlines, public transportation, banks, and hospitals in various countries.
In this incident, Microsoft has pointed to a faulty update from cybersecurity vendor CrowdStrike as the source of the problem. A problematic version of one of its Windows components blocked system boot times upon installation, rendering thousands of machines unusable. Although the error can be fixed technically "in a matter of minutes," in practice it has required intervention on each individual machine, often manually.
The consequences have been very visible: tens of thousands of flight delays and cancellations , disruptions to public transport, banking services out of service at times, and critical systems such as those in some hospitals operating at reduced capacity. In terms of impact, this blackout has already entered the list of the most serious computer failures in recent memory.
This problem has sparked a debate about the responsibility of large technology companies and their partners . Voices like that of specialized lawyer Paloma Llaneza have denounced the privileges and sense of immunity that, according to her, companies that cause computer failures on a global scale enjoy, since the practical consequences for them are often minimal compared to the damage caused to affected users and companies.
This episode has also highlighted the global dependence on a handful of software and service providers . Editorials and opinion pieces have pointed out that entrusting so many critical systems—from airports to healthcare—to a few companies increases the fragility of the digital infrastructure. A single update error can paralyze half the planet for hours.
Technical evolution of Windows in performance, hardware and security
On a more technical level, Microsoft has been fine-tuning Windows for some time to get the most out of modern hardware . One example was the Windows 10 19H1 update, which learned to better understand the CCX architecture of AMD Ryzen processors, allocating workloads more coherently across cores. The result: a significant reduction in latency and improved performance without needing to replace components.
In the Windows 11 era, users have encountered both positive and negative aspects in updates . At the beginning of 2026, an update released on January 23rd caused unexpected boot failures and crashes on some computers, forcing Microsoft to quickly release emergency patches to fix the most serious errors.
There have also been cases where a seemingly minor update has had a direct impact on gaming performance and connectivity . The so-called "Moment 2" update for Windows 11 caused slowdowns in Wi-Fi connections and performance issues with some SSDs, particularly affecting PC gamers. In such situations, many experts recommend waiting a few days before installing any large update package.
On the other hand, Microsoft is trying to mitigate the rise in RAM prices with specific improvements to reduce system resource consumption . The company has announced changes in Windows 11 aimed at freeing up memory for applications and games by adjusting how the system manages background processes and internal caches.
In the area of cybersecurity, high-profile vulnerabilities have also been prevalent. The PrintNightmare vulnerability, a critical flaw related to the printing service in Windows 10 and 7, forced the release of emergency patches and subsequent updates to completely close the avenues of exploitation. These situations underscore the need to keep systems up to date and apply patches as soon as they become available. For practical recommendations on how to protect environments and apply patches, it is advisable to consult specialized operating system security guides.
Windows 10, Windows 11 and the system lifecycle
As the years go by, managing the lifecycle of each Windows version becomes crucial for businesses and home users alike. Windows 10 is now officially nearing its end , which initially meant ceasing to receive security updates for the general public and encouraging the purchase of new computers or the upgrade to Windows 11.
However, regulatory and market pressures have led Microsoft to partially reverse its decision . In Spain, and generally in other European countries, the company has decided to extend Windows 10 security support for another year, and free of charge for those who sign up for the Extended Security Updates program. This gives many PCs that are still working perfectly a little more time before the migration.
Meanwhile, those wanting to upgrade to Windows 11 should check if their hardware is compatible. One of the most controversial requirements is the presence of a TPM (Trusted Platform Module) , an integrated security chip or functionality that Windows 11 uses to strengthen encryption and secure boot. Many computers manufactured before 2016 do not meet this requirement or have it disabled in the BIOS/UEFI.
To determine if a PC supports Windows 11, Microsoft offers tools that analyze compatibility and explain which components might be faulty . In some cases, simply enabling the TPM in the firmware settings will suffice; in others, you'll have no choice but to stick with Windows 10 as long as it's supported or buy a new computer.
For gamers, Microsoft has even detailed what the “ideal gaming PC” should look like in 2025, with official lists of recommended processors (CPUs) and graphics cards (GPUs) based on target resolutions. This guide includes suggestions for monitors and other components, reinforcing the idea that the Windows ecosystem aims to remain the benchmark for high-performance gaming.
Windows and video games: special modes, built-in AI, and performance tricks
Windows' gaming focus has been expanding with various features designed to enhance the experience. The so-called "full-screen Xbox experience" in Windows 11 , launched alongside devices like the ROG Ally and now available on more PCs, offers a console-like interface that also consumes less RAM, according to manufacturers like MSI. The idea is to dedicate more resources to the game and fewer to the system layer.
In the field of artificial intelligence, Microsoft has taken a leap forward with a "full AI mode" integrated into Windows 11. This system can see what's happening on the screen, listen to user commands, and assist while we play games or work, relying on Copilot, Microsoft's own AI. This opens the door to assistants that suggest actions, adjust settings, or automate complex tasks without the need for manual scripts.
For those looking to squeeze out a few extra frames per second, Microsoft has published official recommendations to temporarily disable certain security and virtualization features while gaming, as these can negatively impact performance on some systems. The idea is that users can enable these options the rest of the time and turn them off during gaming sessions to minimize the impact on FPS.
Beyond the system itself, the PC gaming ecosystem continues to grow. Titles like The Last of Us Part 1 have arrived on PC with detailed technical requirements , listing minimum, recommended, and "ultra" configurations, as well as the graphics technologies they utilize. This forces many players to check the status of their operating system, drivers, and hardware to ensure the game will perform as expected.
As for peripherals, the market offers advanced controllers like the SCUF Instinct Pro , designed for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One, with additional features compared to the standard controller: configurable back buttons, improved grip, and customization options geared towards competitive gamers. Windows benefits from these types of devices thanks to their broad compatibility.
Practical tools and tricks in Windows 10 and 11
Beyond the major new features, the average user faces seemingly simple but fundamental tasks every day that are crucial for performance. Freeing up disk space, deleting temporary files, and uninstalling programs we no longer use are key steps to keeping our computers running smoothly. Windows offers cleanup wizards, but it's still a good idea to periodically review what software we have installed and how much space it's taking up.
For those who store many games and applications, it's useful to know how to properly uninstall programs and games on Windows 10 and platforms like Steam . Doing so through the system's built-in options or the game client itself reduces the chance of leaving behind unnecessary files on the hard drive that, over time, can slow down the computer.
The system also includes features designed for leisure and productivity, such as the Windows 10 Game Bar , which allows you to capture videos, take screenshots, display performance metrics, and even integrate services like Spotify and social widgets. This bar can be downloaded and updated from the Microsoft Store and is activated with very simple keyboard shortcuts.
In older games, many users encounter the problem that certain classic titles rely on legacy components like DirectPlay . Windows 10 allows you to enable this feature through "Windows Features," which can revive older games that otherwise wouldn't run correctly.
For taking screenshots, both in games and on the desktop, the system offers several options: the classic Print Screen key, the Snipping Tool, or specific combinations within the Game Bar . Sharing images of games, the desktop, or applications has become so common that Microsoft has simplified the process as much as possible.
macOS, iOS, and Apple's shift towards connected features
Apple's ecosystem is built on the Darwin Kernel, which underpins systems like macOS, iOS, and tvOS , among others. Although these are proprietary platforms, they share some of their architecture and philosophy, facilitating very tight integration between devices: an iPhone communicates almost seamlessly with a Mac or an Apple TV.
Recent updates to macOS and its sister operating systems include features designed to enhance the video call and content capture experience . For example, the system allows you to blur the background in FaceTime to make your image stand out, and it also offers the ability to scan text with the iPhone camera and integrate it directly into Mac documents.
As with other platforms, Apple has placed special emphasis on constant internet connectivity for features such as cloud storage , bug reporting, and certain services that rely entirely on being online . This trend aligns with the eighth generation of consoles and the vast majority of modern devices, where many functions become meaningless without an internet connection.
This emphasis on connectivity has its downside: we are increasingly dependent on the stability of networks and services . If the connection fails, certain features become unavailable or degrade, forcing us to design operating systems capable of handling these interruptions gracefully, caching data or offering offline alternatives when possible.
At the same time, Apple maintains tight control over the design of icons, interfaces, and interaction patterns . The creators of such iconic elements as the Trash and folders have explained that they think of these icons more as traffic signs than illustrations, which helps generations of users immediately identify key system functions.
Mobile telephony: Android, iOS and the control of communications
In the mobile arena, the two main players are Android and iOS, each with its own app distribution model and business model . Both systems have reached a high level of maturity, but they continue to introduce tools to improve privacy, security, and screen time management.
One of the most visible issues is unwanted calls and messages . Depending on the operating system, there are utilities and applications dedicated to filtering indiscriminate communications: blacklists, automatic spam identification, blockers of suspicious numbers, and focus modes that silence notifications at certain times.
Android, in particular, has tricks and settings that allow you to get more out of your device . From optimizing battery usage and managing app permissions to customizing the interface and automating tasks, it's a good idea to review the system settings to adapt them to your needs, especially when you're using a new device.
The omnipresence of mobile phones has also sparked ethical and social debates. Some describe how inheriting someone else's phone can expose us to their entire life through photos, messages, and apps. This feeling of being able to "spy" on or even "live someone else's life" underscores the importance of properly managing accounts, backups, and data deletion before giving away or selling a device.
In the educational sphere, many teachers and families advocate restricting or prohibiting the use of mobile phones in schools . According to some forums and surveys, around 80% of teachers and parents are in favor of limiting their presence in the classroom, considering them a source of distraction that also complicates the use of social media and messaging among minors.
Modern operating systems are closely tied to web browsers, which have become prime targets for cybercriminals . Vulnerabilities in Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or others can open the door to attacks affecting any underlying system, whether it's Windows, Linux, or macOS.
When a browser stops receiving security updates, its vulnerability increases dramatically . Some older browsers have reached their end of life in recent years, making them progressively more vulnerable. Continuing to use them involves considerable risk, which is why experts recommend migrating to actively maintained versions.
During the pandemic, it became clear that, despite advances, we have not been able to fully leverage the potential of mobile data to better manage critical health situations. Between privacy concerns, fragmented systems, and a lack of international coordination, promises of intelligent contact tracing fell short of what the technology could have enabled.
The discussion expands when we talk about biases in technology and artificial intelligence . UNESCO has emphasized the need to correct these biases to close the gender gap in digital skills and access to technology jobs. If algorithms and operating systems are trained only on certain profiles, they perpetuate existing inequalities.
At the institutional level, even prisons must adapt to the massive presence of mobile devices . Thousands of phones have been seized in penitentiary centers, with figures doubling in just a few years. This necessitates rethinking protocols, signal blocking systems, and control measures, because mobile phones have become powerful tools both inside and outside prison walls.
Open architectures, digital education and new hardware
In Europe, the debate on technological independence and competitiveness has led to a push for open-source processor architectures, such as RISC-V. It is expected that chip design based on open specifications will not only boost the continent's digital sovereignty but also foster innovation initiatives that rely on more accessible and customizable hardware.
This vision aligns with a broader push towards education in cybersecurity, programming, and digital skills . In some regions, elective courses focused on these topics are being finalized, sometimes with input from law enforcement agencies, so that students can learn from a young age about the risks and opportunities of the connected world.
Financial platforms and banks are also looking to artificial intelligence and mobile devices as primary channels for customer relations . Entities like Bankia have had to delve into AI tools to offer personalized services, knowing that users almost always carry a smartphone in their pocket, which becomes their main point of contact.
In the consumer market, operating system news is often accompanied by new device launches and tech deals . Mid-range phones from Chinese manufacturers stand out for their large screens with high refresh rates, good multimedia performance, and versatile cameras, while online stores like eBay and AliExpress are filled with promotions on mobile phones, wireless headphones, laptops, and accessories geared towards remote work, studying, and home entertainment.
These waves of new products put pressure on operating systems to maintain broad compatibility and take advantage of the specific features of each chip, sensor, or component. Hardly a day goes by without the announcement of a new device, forcing Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and others to evolve rapidly in terms of drivers, APIs, and optimizations.
Beyond the classical: towards quantum operating systems
Looking to the future, proposals are emerging that move away from the traditional PC or mobile model. A striking example is Origin Pilot, a quantum operating system designed to schedule tasks, coordinate hardware and software, and automatically calibrate qubits across various quantum computing platforms.
Unlike classical systems, a quantum operating system must manage extremely delicate resources such as qubits , whose stability depends on physical factors like temperature, noise, and electromagnetic interference. Constant calibration and error control are essential parts of its operation, in addition to providing a high-level interface so developers can focus on the algorithms rather than the hardware details.
These kinds of advances indicate that the very notion of an "operating system" is expanding . We're no longer just talking about desktops with windows, icons, and menus, but about layers of software that orchestrate everything from classical supercomputers to quantum machines, including swarms of IoT devices, autonomous cars, and large network infrastructures.
Although these technologies are still far from being available to the average user, what is experienced and learned in the quantum field will ultimately influence the security, encryption, and computing models we use in our daily lives. As has so often happened, operating systems that are pioneers in highly specialized areas end up setting the roadmap for more general-purpose environments.
In short, the current operating system landscape is a balancing act between established hegemonies like Windows on the desktop, the quiet dominance of Linux on servers and mobile devices, the closed integration of Apple's ecosystem, and new frontiers like quantum computing . All of this is intertwined with issues of security, privacy, digital education, dependence on major vendors, gaming performance, and continuous adaptation to a flood of new devices. For the user, it might seem like simply "making the gadget work," but behind the scenes, there's a constant race to design the software foundation that will underpin the next technological decade.
