noun

operating system

the core software managing a computer's resources

In more detail

1. (noun) the main software program that controls all the basic functions of a computer and allows other programs to run on it

Examples

Windows and macOS are popular operating systems for personal computers.
You need to install an operating system on your new computer before you can use it.

How to use operating system

Operating system refers to the foundational software infrastructure of a computer that manages hardware resources and provides services to applications. It is used in technical and general contexts when discussing computer functionality, with common examples including Windows, macOS, and Linux. The term can be abbreviated as OS in both formal and informal writing.

Common phrases

operating system crashes
switch operating systems
install an operating system
Windows operating system
run on an operating system

Synonyms

OS · platform · system software · kernel

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse operating system with a single application or program; in reality, an operating system is the underlying platform that enables all applications to function.

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