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

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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.

From 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.

From MarketWatch

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

From The Wall Street Journal

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

From MarketWatch