The software that controls the allocation and usage of hardware resources such as memory, central processing unit (CPU) time, disk space, and peripheral devices. The operating system is the foundation software on which applications depend. Popular operating systems include Windows 98, Windows NT, Mac OS, and UNIX. Acronym: OS. Also called: executive.
(OS) In computing, a program that controls the basic operation of a computer. A typical OS controls the peripheral devices, organizes the filing system, provides a means of communicating with the operator, and runs other programs.
Some operating systems were written for specific computers, but some are accepted standards. These include CP/M (by Digital Research) and MS-DOS (by Microsoft) for microcomputers. Unix (developed at ATandT's Bell Laboratories) is the standard on workstations, minicomputers, and supercomputers; it is also used on desktop PCs and mainframes.
In Nov 1994 IBM, Apple, and Motorola announced a joint venture to produce a “common reference platform” personal computer, capable of running virtually all existing operating systems.
(Computer science) Software that controls the execution of computer programs and may provide various services; SYN. OS.
Software which acts as an interface between the user of a computer and the computer hardware and its BIOS. The purpose of the operating system is to provide an environment in which a user may run other programs and manage files. Windows is an operating system developed by Microsoft for PCs.