Can computer function without an OS?

Answer 1

A computer can run without an operating system but each piece of software would have to be written to "talk" directly to the computer's hardware - displaying something on the screen, saving to discs etc. An operating system provides a standard layer that connects to the hardware so that applications can ask the OS to do something and not worry about the details.

Answer 2

A computer can function in the sense that it can turn on and load the BIOS (Basic Input Output System).

Some apps (mostly diagnostic software) will run straight off the PC after the BIOS loads and without an OS. However, almost every app ever used in today's world needs to be ran from within an OS.

So ultimately this question boils down to how the term "function" is being used.

If function is being used in the sense as in the pc turns on, monitor displays information, interacting with the BIOS, then the answer is yes.

However, if function is being used in the sense as runs applications like word, internet explorer, etc. then the answer is no.

Answer 3

Simple: It won't. An operating system is a necessary component that allows installed software to communicate with the hardware of the machine. The kernel of the OS directs the behavior of the hardware. Not having an OS would be like turning on your computer without a hard drive: the BIOS would boot, but then the computer would freak out when it realizes there's nothing it can boot.. and that is all.

As a side note: I've accidentally removed the boot loader for my OS before (the thing that loads the OS) and though I had plenty of software installed on my computer, I couldn't access anything because it couldn't boot! It was as if I lacked an operating system. Now, I'm smarter than that and I back up my machine before messing with it :P