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 ...

A note from the Editor in Chief: Scientific American is celebrating its 166th year. Given its history as the longest continuously published magazine in the U.S., it's probably no surprise that it has ...

In ever-changing field environments, conditions can shift rapidly, eroding the best-laid plans with little time to react.

Whether it's a desktop or laptop computer, a smartphone or a video game system, every modern computer needs an operating system. That's the core software on the computer that sits between application ...