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View synonyms for operating system

operating system

[op-uh-rey-ting sis-tuhm]

noun

Computers.
  1. the collection of software that directs a computer's operations, controlling and scheduling the execution of other programs, and managing storage, input/output, and communication resources. OS



operating system

noun

  1. the set of software that controls the overall operation of a computer system, typically by performing such tasks as memory allocation, job scheduling, and input/output control

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

operating system

  1. Software designed to handle basic elements of computer operation, such as sending instructions to hardware devices like disk drives and computer screens, and allocating system resources such as memory to different software applications being run. Given uniformly designed operating systems that run on many different computers, developers of software do not need to concern themselves with these problems, and are provided with a standard platform for new programs.

operating system

  1. The software that allows computer users to run applications with the hardware of a specific system. Microsoft® Windows® or Apple® Computer's OS are examples of operating systems.

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Word History and Origins

Origin of operating system1

First recorded in 1960–65
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Going forward, HP expects a boost as small- to medium-sized businesses and customers in Europe and Asia install the new operating system and upgrade their aging PCs, he says.

Personal-systems revenue came in at $10.4 billion, up 8% from the prior year, driven in part by rising demand for AI personal computers and the introduction of the Windows 11 operating system.

Read more on Barron's

It has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its operating system and devices and is reportedly in talks to incorporate Gemini into its Apple Intelligence product.

Read more on MarketWatch

While Android is more popular globally, its U.S. market share of the smartphone operating system has hovered around 40% since 2012.

In October, Circle launched a public testnet — a practice version of its own blockchain operating system — to bring more economic activity onto the blockchain.

Read more on MarketWatch

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