The simple answer is...

...that an OS does nothing for the user. The OS only serves to connect real applications (that do provide services to the user) with the hardware.

All the little bitty programs that a user starts up are all applications. Backup. Games. All utilities. Practically everything.

Now. If you want to make a list of all of the applications that every user must absolutely have regardless of how they intend to use the computer, you can do that.

But, you have to omit backup utilities (NT does not even provide a backup unless you have tape).
And, you have to omit worthless editors (config.sys, etc. no longer need to be edited).
And, you have to omit all applications that use optional equipment such as communications programs and networking software.
And, you have to omit utilities different or incompatible between systems (NT and 98 use incompatible disc compression).
And, you have to omit silly paint programs and games.

Historically, operating systems never did anything for the user. They only support applications as selected by the user based upon the particular needs of the user. That is a very simple proposition.

And, there are very good reasons for it.

Otherwise 100% of all users must buy one or more applications that only a few will need. And, if you are going to have the manufacturer make that selection and completely ignore the specific needs of all customers, then you are just forcing consumers to buy applications they do not in fact want.

You also end up with a minimum list of applications which drives the minimum price for all users up and up and up. (Or, in the case with Microsoft, maintains the price high over a 10 year period when it should logically drop.)

Witness: IE

Microsoft wants everyone to buy it. (Keeps the price high and gives Microsoft one more monopoly) No consumers want to be told what they must buy. (All consumers rather pick their own.)

Microsoft wants 100% of all computer desktop users (including Apple customers) to buy, install, maintain and use IE regardless of their actual needs or uses for the computer.

Customers do not want that at all.

Not a single consumer wants to be told what applications they must buy. Even the most ardent Microsoft supporters will not allow anyone to pick and choose "their" applications for them. I should know. I have tried. They all refuse. Every single one of them refuses to let me pick their applications.

So. All consumers agree. They want to pick and choose their own applications. No exceptions.

Oh. Some think they should choose for everyone else. But, it does not work that way. That is called a forced sale. And, unless they are willing to let me pick their's, any suggestion that everyone should be forced to buy IE is disingenuous. (They are just not honest about their true positions and opinions.)

So. The simple answer is that if you get any use of it, it is not the operating system. It is an application.

This explanation is way too simple for those who want to force their choice upon others. But, it is the truth.

Lewis A. Mettler, Esq.