Investopedia contributors come from a range of backgrounds, and over 25 years there have been thousands of expert writers and editors who have contributed. Doretha Clemons, Ph.D., MBA, PMP, has been a ...

The computer's master control program. When a computer is turned on, a small "boot program" loads the operating system. Although additional system modules may be loaded as needed, the main part, known ...

An operating system is the foundation of any computing system, controlling the input and output of data and ensuring that different programs and devices work together effectively. Examples of ...