Just Enough Operating System

What Does Just Enough Operating System Mean?

Just Enough Operating System (JeOS) is a tech design concept in which a leaner version of an operating system (OS) replaces the full version to run on a specific device or hardware setup. The term represents a sea change in the way engineers address the necessity of an OS to a given hardware design. It promotes the idea that "less is more," in terms of operating systems that should be installed in a technology product.

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Techopedia Explains Just Enough Operating System

JeOS designers have to consider a given OS’ kernel or core, as well as tools and utilities required to create a custom OS that enables faster operations and less required installation memory. The use of JeOS designs often corresponds to a virtual appliance method, where a virtual machine (VM) image runs on a given platform.

There also is a tendency for open source operating systems to lead the pack, in terms of JeOS development, even though this model is being adopted by other major licensed operating systems.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…