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Glite Dictionary
disk operating system

disk operating system

4.4
A program that runs from a disk to control a computer and its files
  • noun
  • /dɪsk ˈɒpəreɪtɪŋ ˈsɪstəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sistema operativo en disco
  • The introduction of the disk operating system greatly simplified data storage and retrieval for users.

Examples

  • In the early 1980s, most personal computers ran a disk operating system like MS-DOS.

  • To access files on the floppy drive, you needed to start the disk operating system.

  • The disk operating system is essential for managing files.

  • Can you explain what a disk operating system does?

  • The disk operating system manages all the files and hardware on your computer.

  • Many microcomputers use a disk operating system to run various applications.

  • A disk operating system allows users to interact with their computer's hardware and files.

Synonyms

operating system
vsdisk operating system
  • Specialized
119 3.4

Software that controls a computer and lets other programs run

is specifically about systems stored and run from a disk
OS
vsdisk operating system
  • Specialized
82 3.4

Software that controls a computer and lets programs run

focuses on systems kept on and executed from a disk
DOS
vsdisk operating system
  • Archaic
12 7.5

An early computer system that runs from a disk on personal computers

is a general term for systems stored and run from a disk
Microsoft disk operating system
vsdisk operating system
  • Archaic
3.9

A basic system made by Microsoft that runs early personal computers

is the general label for any system stored and run from a disk

Surface Forms

disk operating system singular
disk operating systems plural
disks operating system plural
disk OS singular

Morphology

disk + operating + system

The meaning 'an operating system stored on and run from a disk' is directly and transparently built from the known parts: 'disk' (storage device), 'operating' (functioning), and 'system' (collection of components). This is a regular technical compound whose components map clearly onto the overall sense (and many languages use similar literal constructions), so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will most likely infer the meaning.

Etymology

The term disk operating system comes from early personal computers where the operating system was kept on a removable disk such as a floppy and had to be started from that disk. So the name simply says an OS that is 'stored on and run from a disk'.