Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
AI TechDocKnowledge

Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components

Operating system (OS)

Also known as: OS

German: Betriebssystem (OS)

In computing, an operating system (OS) is the system software that manages hardware resources, schedules tasks and provides services to application programs. In automation, examples range from real-time operating systems in controllers to Windows and Linux on industrial PCs.

  • Automation components

In one sentence

An operating system (OS) manages hardware, schedules tasks and provides services to applications, from RTOS in controllers to Windows or Linux.

Example

The HMI panel runs a Linux-based operating system, while the PLC firmware uses a vendor-specific real-time operating system.

How it applies

  • Engineering: The OS affects real-time behavior, security features and software lifecycle. Many devices use embedded or real-time operating systems that are invisible to users.
  • Operation: OS updates close vulnerabilities but must be tested for compatibility with automation software before rollout.
  • Documentation: State the OS and version for each device where users are responsible for it, supported update paths and whether users may install updates themselves. For PLC firmware, document the firmware version instead.
  • Security: Hardening the OS, for example disabling unused services and accounts, reduces the attack surface of automation PCs.

Operating system vs. firmware

Firmware is software embedded in a device, often including an OS, and usually updated as a whole package from the vendor. An OS on an IPC is administered separately from the applications.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 26, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on general computing practice

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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