[techspeak] (Often abbreviated `OS') The foundation software of a
machine; that which schedules tasks, allocates storage, and presents
a default interface to the user between applications. The facilities
an operating system provides and its general design philosophy exert
an extremely strong influence on programming style and on the
technical cultures that grow up around its host machines. Hacker
folklore has been shaped primarily by the {Unix}, {ITS}, {TOPS-10},
{TOPS-20}/{TWENEX}, {WAITS}, {CP/M}, {MS-DOS}, and {Multics}
operating systems (most importantly by ITS and Unix). See also
{timesharing}.
[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {app}{bare metal}{CP/M}{MS-DOS}{Multics}{tool}{TOPS-10}]