Answer:
An operating system is the main software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system can be based on a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command-line interface (CLI) also known as a character user interface (CUI).
GUI-based operating systems use graphical elements, such as icons, menus, and windows, to help users interact with the computer. With a GUI, users can interact with the operating system and its applications through a graphical interface. The user can perform actions such as clicking on icons or menus, dragging and dropping files, and using a mouse to navigate. Examples of GUI-based operating systems include Microsoft Windows, MacOS, and Linux distributions such as Ubuntu and Fedora.
On the other hand, CUI-based operating systems require the user to enter commands into a text-based interface. Users type commands to perform specific tasks, such as creating a file or navigating through directories. In a CUI, the user interacts with the operating system and its applications through a command prompt. CUI-based operating systems can be less intuitive than GUI-based operating systems, but they can also be more powerful and efficient, as they allow users to perform complex tasks quickly and precisely. Examples of CUI-based operating systems include Unix, Linux, and MS-DOS.
In summary, the main difference between GUI and CUI operating systems is the way the user interacts with the operating system and its applications. While GUI-based operating systems use graphical elements to provide an intuitive interface for the user, CUI-based operating systems rely on text-based commands to perform specific tasks