A1 noun Neutral #1,381 most common

operating system

/ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/

An operating system is the main software that controls a computer or smartphone. it manages the hardware and allows other programs to run smoothly.

Examples

3 of 5
1

My phone's operating system is very fast and easy to use.

My phone's operating system is very fast and easy to use.

2

The organization requires a secure operating system for all employee laptops.

The organization requires a secure operating system for all employee laptops.

3

I just installed a new operating system on my old PC.

I just installed a new operating system on my old PC.

Word Family

Noun
operating system
Verb
operate
Adverb
operationally
Adjective
operational
Related
operator
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'OS' as the 'Office Supervisor' of your computer; it makes sure all the workers (apps) are doing their job.

Quick Quiz

Android is the most popular ___ for mobile phones in the world.

Correct!

The correct answer is: operating system

Examples

1

My phone's operating system is very fast and easy to use.

everyday

My phone's operating system is very fast and easy to use.

2

The organization requires a secure operating system for all employee laptops.

formal

The organization requires a secure operating system for all employee laptops.

3

I just installed a new operating system on my old PC.

informal

I just installed a new operating system on my old PC.

4

Researchers analyzed the efficiency of the Linux operating system in server environments.

academic

Researchers analyzed the efficiency of the Linux operating system in server environments.

5

Our business software only works on a Windows operating system.

business

Our business software only works on a Windows operating system.

Word Family

Noun
operating system
Verb
operate
Adverb
operationally
Adjective
operational
Related
operator

Common Collocations

install an operating system install an operating system
mobile operating system mobile operating system
update the operating system update the operating system
secure operating system secure operating system
desktop operating system desktop operating system

Common Phrases

open-source operating system

open-source operating system

network operating system

network operating system

proprietary operating system

proprietary operating system

Often Confused With

operating system vs software

Software is any program, but an operating system is the specific software that runs the whole device.

operating system vs hard drive

The hard drive is the physical part that stores data; the operating system is the digital program that manages it.

📝

Usage Notes

In casual conversation, people usually say 'OS' (pronounced as letters O-S). It is used to describe systems for computers, tablets, and phones.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often forget that Android and iOS are operating systems, not just the names of phones. Also, do not confuse the 'system' with the 'internet'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the 'OS' as the 'Office Supervisor' of your computer; it makes sure all the workers (apps) are doing their job.

📖

Word Origin

From 'operating' (Latin operari, to work) and 'system' (Greek systema, a whole composed of parts).

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun Plural: operating systems Often used with the definite article 'the'
🌍

Cultural Context

The 'big three' operating systems—Windows, macOS, and Linux—often define a user's technical identity in the tech community.

Quick Quiz

Android is the most popular ___ for mobile phones in the world.

Correct!

The correct answer is: operating system

More Technology words

laptop

A1

A laptop is a portable personal computer that is small and light enough to be used on a person's lap. It combines a screen, keyboard, and processor into one battery-powered unit that you can carry easily.

screen

A1

A screen is the flat surface on an electronic device, such as a television, computer, or smartphone, where images and information are displayed. It is the part of the hardware that the user looks at to interact with the device.

keyboard

A1

A keyboard is an input device consisting of a set of keys that you press to type letters, numbers, and symbols into a computer. It is also a musical instrument that looks like a piano and produces electronic sounds.

mouse

A1

A small device that you move with your hand to control the cursor on a computer screen. It allows users to select, click, and drag items by pressing buttons on its surface.

headphones

A1

Headphones are a pair of small speakers that you wear over or inside your ears to listen to music or sound without other people hearing it. They are commonly used with phones, computers, and music players.

speaker

A1

A speaker is an electronic device that converts electrical signals into audible sound. It is used to listen to music, voices, or other sounds from computers, phones, or home entertainment systems.

website

A1

A website is a collection of connected pages on the internet that contains information about a person, company, or subject. You use a web browser like Chrome or Safari to visit a website and read its content.

search

A1

A search is the act of looking for something or someone carefully. In technology, it refers to using a computer program or website to find specific information or files.

download

A1

A computer file that has been moved from the internet or a larger system to a smaller device like a computer or phone. It can also refer to the process of transferring this data from one place to another.

click

A1

A click is the short, sharp sound made when a computer mouse button is pressed. It also refers to the physical action of pressing a button on a digital device to select or activate something on a screen.

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