In computer language, “OS” stands for

The correct answer is Operating System.

Key Points

• An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.
• The OS acts as an interface between the user and the computer hardware, enabling interaction and execution of applications.
• Examples of popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Key responsibilities of an OS include process management, memory management, file system management, and device control.
• Modern OS also supports multitasking, multi-user capabilities, and advanced security features to protect user data.

Additional Information

• Types of Operating Systems:
  • Batch Operating System: Processes tasks in batches without user interaction.
  • Time-Sharing OS: Allows multiple users to use the system simultaneously by sharing time slices.
  • Real-Time OS: Designed for systems that require immediate processing, such as medical devices or industrial machines.
  • Distributed OS: Allows multiple systems to work together as a single system.
• Kernel:
  • The kernel is the core component of an operating system.
  • It manages system resources and allows communication between hardware and software.
  • Examples of kernels include Monolithic Kernel (e.g., Linux) and Microkernel (e.g., MINIX).
• File System:
  • An OS organizes and stores data on storage devices using a file system (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, ext4).
  • It provides a structure for managing files and directories.
• Virtual Memory:
  • Virtual memory is a feature of modern operating systems that allows the system to use disk storage as an extension of RAM.
  • It enables running larger applications or multitasking even with limited physical memory.
• System Calls:
  • System calls are the interface between user applications and the OS kernel.
  • They allow programs to request services such as file operations, process control, or communication.