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Operating system shell

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An operating system shell is a shell for an operating system; it is a program that presents an interface to various operating system functions and services. The shell is so called because it is an outer layer of interface between the user and the innards of the operating system (the kernel).

Operating system shells generally fall into one of two categories: command line and graphical. Command line shells provide a command line interface (CLI) to the operating system, while graphical shells provide a graphical user interface (GUI).

The relative merits of CLI- and GUI-based shells are often debated. CLI proponents claim that certain operations can be performed much faster under CLI shells than under GUI shells (such as moving files, for example). However, GUI proponents advocate the comparative usability and simplicity of GUI shells. The best choice is often determined by the way in which a computer will be used. On a server mainly used for data transfers and processing with expert administration, a CLI is likely to be the best choice. On the other hand, a GUI would probably be more appropriate for a computer to be used for secretarial work.

In computing, a shell is computer software that essentially provides a kind of user interface. Typically, the term refers only to an operating system shell that provides access to the services of a kernel. However, the term is also applied very loosely to applications and may include any software that is "built around" a particular component, such as web browsers and email clients that are "shells" for HTML rendering engines.

Modern versions of Microsoft's Windows operating system utilize and only officially support Windows Explorer as their shell. Explorer provides the familiar desktop environment, start menu, and task bar, as well as the file management functions of the operating system. Older versions also include Program Manager which was the Shell for the 3.x series of Microsoft Windows.

Many individuals and developers dissatisfied with the interface of Windows Explorer have developed software that either alters the functioning and apperance of the shell or replaces it entirely. WindowBlinds by StarDock is a good example of the former sort of application. LiteStep, GeoShell and FlyakiteOSX are good examples of the latter.

List of shells

Graphical (GUI) shells

Text (CLI) shells

See also

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