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word choice - "Run on an OS" vs. "run under an OS"


What is the correct way to specify the operating system you are targeting or using?


Is a program running on or under an operating system (OS)?


Is a machine running an OS or under an OS?



Answer



Machines run operating system software; or run operating systems. My laptop here runs Windows 7.


At least in British English, software can run on or under the OS.



My program "foo" runs under Windows 7 but fails completely under Windows 8.
I still have to test it on Windows Phone 7.



The first sentence might use under because it could be under conditions which include Windows 7, but using under here is normal usage [at least in Britain].


The second sentence could be taken to mean on a machine running Windows Phone 7, but since reference to the machine is understood, "on an OS" is fine.


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