operating system

1) The collection of programs that controls the basic operation of a computer Usually purchased with the computer, it controls such tasks as start-up routines, input and output, and memory allocation. It is also responsible for loading and executing programs. In small systems, the operating system loads a program and then gives it control of the machine. In larger multitasking systems, the operating system always retains control of the machine, ensuring that the separate programs do not interfere with each other and controlling the amount of processing time each receives.

2) The configuration of the activities concerned with transforming resources within an organization. The way in which a particular organization arranges the components of its operating system will be a product of its operations strategy While there may be areas of similarity between successful organizations, there is no single right way to set up an operating system. Each system is an attempt to achieve the optimum match between organizational capabilities and perceived environmental conditions.