A system software component that is external to the operating system kernel. If the phrase is used to refer to the operating system itself, it is redundant because an operating system "is" software.

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 ...

Internally, Apple engineers rely on a dedicated app to view, manage, and toggle in-development features and user interface elements within pre-release versions of new operating systems. Here's what ...