An integrated collection of routines that service the sequencing and processing of programs by a computer.
Note: An operating system may provide many services, such as resource allocation, scheduling, input/output control, and data management. Although operating systems are predominantly software, partial or complete hardware implementations may be made in the form of firmware.

Synonym platform.

1. The time interval between the instant of occurrence of a specified input condition to a system and the instant of completion of a specified operation.
2. In communications, computer, and information processing systems, the time interval between the instant a request for service is received from a user and the instant of final release of all facilities by the… (Read More →)

1. The method, act, process, or effect of using a device or system.
2. A well-defined action that, when applied to any permissible combination of known entities, produces a new entity, e.g., the process of addition in arithmetic--in adding 5 and 3 to obtain 8, the numbers 5 and 3 are the operands, the number 8 is the result, and… (Read More →)

Maximum functional commonality or interworking of Business Support Systems (BSS), Operations Support Systems (OSS), network management, service provisioning, billing, et cetera across all service types (data, voice, video and any combination thereof) within the context of a Service Delivery Environment (SDE).

Protection of data from either accidental or unauthorized intentional modification, destruction, or disclosure during input, processing, storage, transmission, or output operations. [INFOSEC-99]

the information produced by the developer of a Target of Evaluation to specify and explain how customers should use it [ITSEC].

1. The set of procedures, methods, tools and standards used during system operation [CESG]. See also: Development Environment.
2. The organizational measures, procedures and standards to be used whilst operating a Target of Evaluation [ITSEC].

Key intended for use over-the-air for protection of operational information or for the production or secure electrical transmission of key streams. [INFOSEC-99]

The total power requirements for communications facilities.