operating system

American  

[op-uh-rey-ting sis-tuhm] / ˈɒp ə reɪ tɪŋ ˌsɪs təm /

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

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operating system British  

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

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operating system Scientific  

/ ŏp′ə-rā′tĭng /

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.

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operating system Cultural  

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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Etymology

Origin of operating system

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

“Becoming an independent company gives Kraken the focus and freedom to scale as a neutral, global operating system for utilities,” said Amir Orad, Kraken’s chief executive.

From The Wall Street Journal

He stopped trying to compete with Microsoft’s Windows operating system and instead offered customers expertise in how to integrate corporate data and networks.

From The Wall Street Journal

Some of the websites that were being born out of the dot-com boom were considered slop, recalls Paul Chan, founder of AI operating system Decidr.

From MarketWatch

The latter type offers the best compatibility across web browsers and operating systems.

From The Wall Street Journal

One new law requires operating system providers to ask account holders for the user’s age when setting up equipment such as laptops or smartphones.

From Los Angeles Times