operating system
Computer's core software
An operating system is the fundamental software that manages a computer's hardware and provides services for other programs.
It handles memory, processes, file storage, and user interaction.
Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS are operating systems.
Users rarely interact with the operating system directly—applications run on top of it: The game requires Windows 10 or a later operating system.
Microsoft operating system
Seed or essential core
- bootloaderInitial startup program
- firmwareHardware's permanent programming
- BIOSBoot-up initialization firmware
- UEFIFirmware interface for booting
device driver · virtual memory · API · scheduler · interrupt · monolithic · microkernel · hypervisor
Process of putting in
- updateNew version or information
- upgradeRaise to higher standard
- patchMaterial covering damage
- versionA distinct form
compatibility · boot · shutdown · restart · recovery · restore · backup · clean install
Visual computer interface
- desktopPrimary computer interface
- iconsRepresentative small images
- widgetsUnspecified manufactured items
- taskbarApplication shortcut strip
start menu · dock · window · control panel · settings · command line · terminal · touchscreen
Overlapping execution of tasks
- parallelismMatching structural elements
- context switchingRedirecting attention between activities
- threadsTwisted fiber strands
- processesSeries of actions
scheduling · preemptive · time-sharing · priority · load balancing · background process · synchronization · interleaving
Windows
Microsoft operating system
- macOSApple computer operating system
- LinuxOpen-source operating system kernel
- UnixMultitasking operating system family
Android · iOS · Ubuntu · Debian · Solaris · Arch · MS-DOS · iPadOS
kernel
Seed or essential core
- bootloaderInitial startup program
- firmwareHardware's permanent programming
- BIOSBoot-up initialization firmware
UEFI · device driver · virtual memory · API · scheduler · interrupt · monolithic · microkernel · hypervisor · memory management
installation
Process of putting in
version · compatibility · boot · shutdown · restart · recovery · restore · backup · clean install · migration
GUI
Visual computer interface
- desktopPrimary computer interface
- iconsRepresentative small images
- widgetsUnspecified manufactured items
taskbar · start menu · dock · window · control panel · settings · command line · terminal · touchscreen · accessibility
concurrency
Overlapping execution of tasks
- parallelismMatching structural elements
- context switchingRedirecting attention between activities
- threadsTwisted fiber strands
processes · scheduling · preemptive · time-sharing · priority · load balancing · background process · synchronization · interleaving · CPU usage
- systemsecosystems, ecosystem, biological systems, transportation network, communication systems
- technologyelectronics, computing, computer, internet, social media
- computingcomputer, computers, software, hardware, code
- desktop computingdesktop, mouse, keyboard, monitor, cursor
- ITIT support, computer, IT manager, IT services, IT director
- softwaresoftware, app, apps, application, program
operating systemapplication
Formal request document
app · software application · desktop application · mobile app · program
operating systemdevice driver
Software enabling hardware communication
plugin · module · library · script · executable
operating systemhardware
Metal goods and fittings
computer hardware · bare metal · firmware · circuitry · silicon
system, operate, operation, cooperation, operator, cooperative, cooperate, operating, operative