An operating system is a program that manages the computer hardware. It also provides a basis for application programs and acts as an intermediary between the computer system user and the computer hardware. An amazing aspect of operating systems is how varied they are in accomplishing these tasks. Mainframe operating systems are designed primarily to optimize utiliztion of hardware. Personal computer operating systems support complex games, business applications, and everything in between. Operating systems for handheld computers are designed to provide an environment in which a user can easily interface with the computer to execute programs. Thus, some operating systems are designed to be convenient, others to be efficient, and others some combination of the two.