Operating systems

Definitions related to operating systems, including tech terms about open source and proprietary operating systems and words and phrases about system programs, boot mechanisms, kernels, command interpreters, DLL libraries and drivers.
  • restore point - A system restore point is a backup copy of important Windows operating system (OS) files and settings that can be used to recover the system to an earlier point of time in the event of system failure or instability.
  • runlevel - A runlevel is an operating state on a Unix and Unix-based operating system that is preset on the Linux-based system.
  • security identifier (SID) - In the context of Windows computing and Microsoft Active Directory (AD), a security identifier (SID) is a unique value that is used to identify any security entity that the operating system (OS) can authenticate.
  • shell program - A shell program is software that provides users with an interface for accessing services in the kernel.
  • software - Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.
  • sudo (su 'do') - Sudo is a command-line utility for Unix and Unix-based operating systems such as Linux and macOS.
  • sunsetting - Sunsetting is the intentional phasing out or termination of something, and in business, the term is used often regarding brands, partnerships, agreements, policies, and hardware and software.
  • Superdome - Superdome is a high-end 64-bit, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) PA-8600 processor-based UNIX server designed for e-commerce customers using very large databases.
  • supervisor call (SVC) - In computers, especially IBM mainframes, a supervisor call (SVC) instruction is a processor instruction that directs the processor to pass control of the computer to the operating system's supervisor program.
  • SUSE - SUSE (pronounced soo-sah) is a multinational company that offers enterprise-grade open source products based on Linux technologies.
  • Sysprep (System Preparation Tool) - Sysprep is Microsoft's System Preparation tool intended to duplicate, test and deliver new installations for the Windows operating system based on an established installation.
  • system software - System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs.
  • system tray - The system tray (or "systray") is a section of the taskbars in the Microsoft Windows operating system user interface that provides easy access icons to the user's most commonly used apps and displays the clock.
  • Task Manager - Task Manager, which was previously known as Microsoft Windows Task Manager, is a component of the Windows operating system (OS) that helps administrators and end users monitor, manage and troubleshoot tasks.
  • timestamp - A timestamp is the current time of an event that a computer records.
  • Ubuntu - Ubuntu (pronounced oo-BOON-too) is a free, open source operating system (OS) based on Debian Linux.
  • Unix - Unix -- trademarked as UNIX -- is a multiuser, multitasking operating system (OS) designed for flexibility and adaptability.
  • virtual appliance - Considered a software equivalent of a hardware device, a virtual appliance (VA) is a preconfigured software solution.
  • virtual machine (VM) - A virtual machine (VM) is an operating system (OS) or application environment installed on software that imitates dedicated hardware.
  • virtualization - Virtualization is the creation of a virtual version of an actual piece of technology, such as an operating system (OS), a server, a storage device or a network resource.
  • webOS - WebOS is an LG-owned, Linux-based operating system for smart devices, particularly smart TVs.
  • What is a command prompt? - A command prompt is the input field in a text-based user interface screen for an operating system (OS) or program.
  • What is a device driver? - A device driver, or driver, is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer.
  • What is a framework? - In general, a framework is a real or conceptual structure intended to serve as a support or guide for the building of something that expands the structure into something useful.
  • What is a kernel? - A kernel is the essential foundation of a computer's operating system (OS).
  • What is a real-time operating system (RTOS)? - A real-time operating system (RTOS) is an OS that guarantees real-time applications a certain capability within a specified deadline.
  • What is a shell script and how does it work? - A shell script is a text file that contains a sequence of commands for a Unix-based operating system (OS).
  • What is an embedded system? - An embedded system is a combination of computer hardware and software designed for a specific function.
  • What is an operating system (OS)? - An operating system (OS) is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a boot program, manages all the other application programs in a computer.
  • What is hardware virtualization? - Hardware virtualization, which is also known as server virtualization or simply virtualization, is the abstraction of computing resources from the software that uses those resources.
  • What is MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage)? - MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) is an OS from IBM that continues to run on many of IBM's mainframe and large servers.
  • What is parallel processing? - Parallel processing is a method in computing of running two or more processors, or CPUs, to handle separate parts of an overall task.
  • What is patch management? Lifecycle, benefits and best practices - Patch management is the subset of systems management that involves identifying, acquiring, testing and installing patches, or code changes, that are intended to fix bugs, close security holes or add features.
  • What is SAP Basis? - SAP Basis is the technical foundation that enables SAP applications to function.
  • What is server virtualization? The ultimate guide - Server virtualization is a process that creates and abstracts multiple virtual instances on a single server.
  • window - A window is a separate viewing area on a computer display screen in a system that allows multiple viewing areas as part of a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • Windows 10 (Microsoft Windows 10) - Windows 10 is a Microsoft operating system for personal computers, tablets, embedded devices and internet of things devices.
  • Windows 7 - Windows 7 is the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) released commercially in October 2009 as the successor to Windows Vista.
  • Windows Embedded - Windows Embedded is Microsoft’s embedded operating systems  product group.
  • Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility - The Windows Management Instrumentation Command-line (WMIC) utility is a command-line interface for working with Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI), a framework for managing data and operations on a Windows computer.
  • Windows NT - Windows NT was a family of operating systems (OS) developed by Microsoft for personal computers and servers.
  • Windows Registry Editor (regedit) - The Windows Registry Editor (regedit) is a graphical tool in the Microsoft Windows operating system (OS) that enables authorized users to view the Windows registry and make changes.
  • z/OS - Introduced in 2000, IBM z/OS is a 64-bit mainframe operating system (OS) developed by IBM for its family of enterprise z/Architecture mainframe computers.