operating system

[/ˈɑːpəreɪtɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/]
nounpl: operating systems
sistema operacional
1. System software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs
Windows and macOS are popular operating systems for personal computers.
Windows e macOS são sistemas operacionais populares para computadores pessoais.
2. The fundamental software that controls the execution of all other programs on a device
The operating system allocates memory and processor time to applications.
O sistema operacional aloca memória e tempo de processador para as aplicações.
3. Software platform that acts as an intermediary between the user and computer hardware
Mobile devices run operating systems like iOS or Android.
Dispositivos móveis executam sistemas operacionais como iOS ou Android.
In Brazil and the US tech industries, 'operating system' is universally understood and used, with English acronym 'OS' being equally common. The term is fundamental in both countries' technology sectors, education, and business environments. Brazilian Portuguese speakers often use the English acronym 'OS' interchangeably with 'SO' in technical discussions.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
OSsystem softwareplatform

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
sistema operacional
Standard term used throughout Brazil in both formal and informal contexts
São Paulo
SO (abbreviation)
Commonly abbreviated as 'SO' in tech communities
Rio de Janeiro
sistema operacional
Same as general Brazilian Portuguese
Portugal
sistema operativo
Portuguese uses 'operativo' instead of 'operacional'

Related Words

kernelsoftwarehardwareapplicationdriverinterface

Related Idioms & Phrases

run on an operating system
boot up the operating system
crash the operating system
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