More Oracle databases run on Solaris than on any other operating system, Mr Ellison notes.
From there, you can install virtual versions of almost any other operating system--be it an old copy of Window's XP or a fresh copy of the latest Linux-based Ubuntu release.
We've been waiting on pins and needles for Google to announce some official Android tablet plans for so long we'd almost forgotten about Mountain View's other operating system -- but from what we're hearing, Chrome OS is about to jump to center stage with a tablet debut on Verizon just before the holidays.
ENGADGET: Chrome OS tablet coming from Google and Verizon on Black Friday? (update: probably not)
We're also disappointed there's no information on versions for any other mobile operating system.
Like other mobile operating system makers, Microsoft distributes its apps through an online app store.
FORBES: Microsoft Explains Windows Phone 7 Design Restrictions
Among so many other things, the operating system gave rise to the modern open source movement.
Other details: the operating system will be a version of Windows Phone OS, not Windows Phone 7.
FORBES: Microsoft Targets Social Teens With New 'Kin' Phones
In a contractual masterstroke, Microsoft was allowed to licence the operating system to other manufacturers, spawning an industry of "IBM-compatible" personal computers which depended on Microsoft's operating system.
Rivals are releasing a flood of tablets and phones powered by Google's Android operating system and other software.
Palm wants to bring its WebOS operating system to other U.S. carriers, which means Sprint has a limited monopoly on what makes the Pre special.
The company also showed a new version of its mobile operating system and other internally developed software, including a version of its music recording program Garage Band.
Even before a Chrome tablet comes on the market, industry observers will likely view the touch-screen Chrome laptop as competitive with Google's other, more-successful operating system, called Android, which powers tablets and smartphones.
In a Tuesday research note, Mizuho Securities analyst Abhey Lamba predicted Microsoft's closer ties will push more PC makers to produce machines that run on Google's Chrome operating system and other software besides Windows.
The development of new technology solutions, channels and open standards to support operating system and other programing that takes advantage of the use of solid state storage for traditional storage as well as non-volatile memory will change the face of our technical culture for many years to come.
Google will make the touch-enabled Chrome operating system available to other computer makers, and Mr. Pichai said he hopes that other Chrome touch devices will come on the market later this year.
That makes it possible to see which blade servers are available for use, automatically provision them to an application, and add or remove blades as needed, without going through the operating system or any other intermediary software.
It has a killer processor and other great hardware features, but the operating system doesn't take advantage of any of that.
Nokia's other option is to take on an operating system from Google or Microsoft, something the company resisted before Mr. Elop's arrival.
Apple is also expected to ship the next version of its iOS mobile operating system around midyear, other people familiar with the matter have said.
These fingerprints look deep into the characteristics of the machine, logging such things as the time zone, keyboard language, operating-system version and other key identifiers.
Apple, on the other hand, has a very closed operating system, giving its developers far less leeway in exchange for what the company says is a smoother, better-developed user experience.
The agreement does not extend to other manufacturers' handsets that use the Android operating system.
ENGADGET: Google settles patent lawsuit from Immersion over Motorola use of haptic feedback
It lies in the operating system or operating model that other companies are now copying.
FORBES: Steve Jobs and Apple's Astounding Legacy for The American Enterprise
For Apple, that now means Samsung and other device makers that cater to the Android operating system.
Like other open source software, such as the operating system Linux, Firefox's code is freely available for any programmer to examine and improve.
Microsoft shares surged in after-hours trading after the software icon announced strong quarterly results on high demand for its Vista operating system, as well as other products.
By now, Samsung's Galaxy devices have become synonymous with Android, to the point that the manufacturer has more brand recognition than any other phone or tablet running Google's operating system.
The tarnishing of its once-platinum reputation began long before June, when a U.S. judge found Microsoft guilty of violating anti-trust laws by leveraging its operating system monopoly to take over other parts of the software business.
This means that, once an operating system is dominant, developers have little reason to make their applications work with other operating systems.
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