Operating system

A master control program that runs the computer and acts as a scheduler and traffic controller Scope Note: The operating system is the first program copied into the computer’s memory after the computer is turned on; it must reside in memory at all times. It is the software that interfaces between the computer hardware (disk, keyboard, mouse, network, modem, printer) and the application software (word processor, spreadsheet, e-mail), which also controls access to the devices and is partially responsible for security components and sets the standards for the application programs that run in it.

The software 'master control application' that runs the computer. It is the first program loaded when the computer is turned on, and its principal component, the kernel, resides in memory at all times. The OS sets the standards for all application programs (such as the mail server) that run in the computer. The applications communicate with the OS for most user interface and file management operations.

The software 'master control application' that runs the computer. It is the first program loaded when the computer is turned on, and its principal component, the kernel, resides in memory at all times. The OS sets the standards for all application programs (such as the mail server) that run in the computer. The applications communicate with the OS for most user interface and file management operations.

A system that supports and manages software applications. Operating systems allocate system resources, provide access and security controls, maintain file systems, and manage communications between end users and hardware devices.