Operating Systems
The distance between your computer's user interface and the trillions of bit processes that enable hardware to display this manifestation is vast. Think of your computer as a sandwich.
Your operating system consists of the kernel, which translates commands between the software/applications and the hardware. The kernel and applications/software allow you to control and use the hardware with precision (in theory) to achieve your aims (for better or for worse).
Now, you will notice that the various 'teeth' in the diagram line up nicely, that's simply theoretical, the reality is a lie. More often than not, it is this:
Some of you may find that your new operating system doesn't fit snugly in with your existing hardware. There will be kinks, for example, Linux distros are notoriously hostile towards facilitating the installation of proprietary firmware, even though that means you have to install custom firmware anyway to get your inevitably proprietary wireless card running. A lot of Linux troubleshooting is going to involve you trying to perfect the latter image, and you probably won't, but we can try.
