A total lie usually mentioned in computer textbooks when talking about operating systems. Older computers sometimes do not have an operating system, so this is totally a lie because these computers can still function. Also, even modern computers can make use of the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) to do some basic tasks such as viewing and changing the date.
School textbooks: "A computer can't function without an operating system!"
1930s computer operator: "wtf is that"