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.

Operating systems (OS) are the intermediary between computer hardware and software, an essential piece of any digital device. Much like an orchestra conductor, they ensure harmonious communication ...

Basically it’s an operating system that uses a Linux kernel, the WINE compatibility layer for Windows applications, and the ...