---

Object Technology
By merging data and software into "objects," a programming system becomes "object-oriented." For example, an object called "weekly inventory sold" would have the data and programming needed to construct a flow chart. Some new programming systems-including Java-contain this feature.

OnLine
When a device is online, it is turned on and connected, whether to the Internet or to another device. When printers are ready to receive data from a computer, they are considered on-line.

Open source
Software built by programmers who think technology should be distributed without charge. Open source programs, such as the Linux operating system, post their source code for free so that anyone can use, modify and improve them.

Operating system
The software that tells a computer how to run its most basic functions and how to interpret user commands.

OS (Operating System)
This is the software that allows applications like word processors or web browsers to run on a computer.