What is another name for an OS?

An operating system (OS) is often referred to as a platform because it serves as the foundational software layer that enables hardware and application programs to interact with each other. The OS manages resources such as the CPU, memory, and peripherals, thereby providing the necessary environment for applications to run. This operational framework allows users to interact with the hardware through user interfaces, whether graphical or command-line, and provides services to applications enabling them to perform tasks effectively.

The term "platform" encompasses both the software (like the OS) and the hardware that applications depend on to execute. This broad definition helps in understanding how different components of computing work together in a cohesive manner. While other terms like "application" refer to specific software that performs tasks for users, "interface" deals with how users and systems interact, and "network" describes a system of interconnected computers that communicate with one another, none of these capture the dual role of an OS as both a mediator between user and hardware and as a foundation for running applications.