Most computer users understand that you need an operating system to use a computer practically, even if it is not clear why. But many users don't.
Tech Support: "May I ask what operating system you are running today?"
Customer: "A computer."
A girl walked into the computer center where I work. She said she was having problems with her Mac. I asked what kind of Mac she had. In an indignant voice, she replied, "Duh, Intosh."
Tech Support: "What operating system are you running? Windows 95?"
Customer: (a little too excited) "95, 97, 98, I've got them all!"
After conferring with her husband, it turned out she owned a Macintosh with System 8.1.
Tech Support: "What version of Windows are you running?"
Customer: "I got the computer in 2003, so I think it's a Windows 2003. Or maybe it's a Windows 2004? I got it late in the year."
Tech Support: "Um, ok."
Customer: "Is that wrong?"
Tech Support: "No, no, that sounds about right. Tell me, would you know what service pack you have for that?"
Customer: "Well, when I got to the register, the young man who rang me up said was about the 5th person to buy it. So it might be service pack 5."
A kid in my class joined a conversation I was having about older computers.
Him: "I have the oldest Windows ever at my house. It's Windows 92."
Me: "Uhhh, there is no such thing as Windows 92."
Him: "Oh, well it's something like that. I'm pretty sure it's Windows 94."
Me: "There's no such thing as Windows 94, either."
Him: "Well it's something like that!"