Term | Definition |
Microsoft Windows | A very popular operating system developed by Microsoft, used on personal computers and servers. |
Mac OS X | An operating system used primarily on Apple Macintosh computers. |
Linux | A UNIX-based operating system that runs on a number of platforms, including Intel-based PCs, servers, and handheld devices. |
open source software | Software in which the developer retains ownership of the original programming code but makes the code available free to the general public. |
proprietary software | Software that an individual or company holds the exclusive rights to develop and sell. 105 |
distribution (distro) | A collection of operating system files, utility files, and support programs sold as a package. Linux distros contain the Linux kernel and a variety of other applications. |
thin client | A computer that has only minimal capabilities and was designed to be small, inexpensive, and lightweight, to provide Internet access, and to interface with other computers (such as on the Internet). |
iOS | The operating system used in Apple mobile devices, such as iPhones and iPads. |
Android | An open source operating system created by Google that is commonly used on smartphones and tablets, because it’s simple and easy to use and a large number of apps are available for it. |
Windows RT | A streamlined version of Windows 8 designed for system-on-chip (SoC) platforms. |
Windows Phone OS | A variant of Windows 8 designed for the ultraportable platform of a smartphone. |
UNIX | A powerful multiuser command-line operating system designed for servers. |
multiuser operating system | An operating system that allows multiple people to use one CPU from separate workstations. |
cross-platform operating system | An operating system that runs on computers of all kinds, from PCs to supercomputers. |
solution stack | A set of complementary applications that work together to customize an operating system for a specific purpose. |
Windows Server | A variant of Microsoft Windows designed for servers. |