1.1 Explain common operating system (OS) types and their purposes
📘CompTIA A+ Core 2 (220-1202)
Mobile OSs
- iPadOS
- iOS
- Android
What Is a Mobile Operating System?
A mobile operating system (mobile OS) is software that controls how smartphones and tablets work.
It manages:
- Hardware (CPU, memory, storage, sensors)
- Touch input
- Apps and app installation
- Network connections (Wi-Fi, cellular, Bluetooth)
- Security and permissions
- Updates and device management
In an IT environment, mobile OSs are used on employee devices, test devices, training systems, and company-managed mobile hardware.
iOS
What is iOS?
iOS is Apple’s mobile operating system designed for iPhones.
Key Features of iOS (Exam Relevant)
- Closed ecosystem
- Only Apple-approved apps can run
- Apps must be installed from the Apple App Store
- Strong security
- App sandboxing (apps cannot access other apps’ data)
- Built-in encryption
- Secure boot process
- Simple user interface
- Touch-based interface
- Easy navigation for end users
- Regular updates
- Apple controls OS updates
- Same update version available for many supported devices
iOS in an IT Environment
- Used in corporate-issued iPhones
- Managed using MDM (Mobile Device Management) tools
- IT admins can:
- Enforce passcodes
- Control app installation
- Wipe data remotely
- Apply security policies
- Often used where security and consistency are important
Exam Points to Remember (iOS)
- Designed only for Apple iPhones
- Very secure and tightly controlled
- Limited customization compared to Android
- Centralized updates from Apple
iPadOS
What is iPadOS?
iPadOS is Apple’s mobile operating system designed specifically for iPads.
It is based on iOS but optimized for larger screens and productivity.
Key Features of iPadOS (Exam Relevant)
- Multitasking support
- Split View
- Slide Over
- Apple Pencil support
- Used for note-taking and drawing
- Keyboard and mouse support
- Useful in office and classroom environments
- App Store ecosystem
- Same security model as iOS
- File management
- Improved file handling compared to iOS
iPadOS in an IT Environment
- Used for:
- Training devices
- Presentation systems
- Digital documentation
- Managed using the same MDM tools as iOS
- IT admins can:
- Lock devices into single-app mode (kiosk mode)
- Control user access
- Deploy apps remotely
Exam Points to Remember (iPadOS)
- Designed only for iPads
- Based on iOS but more productivity-focused
- Strong security and enterprise management
- Good for controlled environments
Android
What is Android?
Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google and used by many device manufacturers.
Key Features of Android (Exam Relevant)
- Open-source platform
- Manufacturers can customize it
- Highly customizable
- Home screens
- System behavior
- Multiple app sources
- Google Play Store
- Third-party app stores
- Wide device support
- Phones
- Tablets
- Specialized devices
- File system access
- More user access to files compared to iOS
Android in an IT Environment
- Used on:
- Employee smartphones
- Company-owned devices
- Testing platforms
- Managed using Android Enterprise and MDM solutions
- IT admins can:
- Create work profiles
- Separate work and personal data
- Enforce encryption
- Control app permissions
Security Considerations (Exam Important)
- Security depends on:
- Device manufacturer
- Android version
- Updates may be delayed or unavailable on older devices
- More flexible but requires strong IT policies
Exam Points to Remember (Android)
- Runs on devices from many vendors
- More customization than iOS
- Supports enterprise management
- Update availability varies by device
Comparison Summary (Exam Friendly)
| Feature | iOS | iPadOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|
| Device type | iPhone | iPad | Phone, tablet, others |
| Customization | Limited | Limited | High |
| App installation | App Store only | App Store only | Multiple sources |
| Security | Very strong | Very strong | Depends on device |
| Enterprise management | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Key Exam Takeaways
Mobile OSs are commonly managed using MDM tools in IT environments
Mobile OSs are designed for touch-based devices
iOS and iPadOS are Apple-only
Android supports multiple manufacturers
All mobile OSs support:
App management
Security controls
Network connectivity
