A sysop (, an abbreviation of system operator) is an administrator of a multi-user computer system, such as a

bulletin board system A bulletin board system (BBS), also called a computer bulletin board service (CBBS), is a computer server running list of BBS software, software that allows users to connect to the system using a terminal program. Once logged in, the user perfor ...

(BBS) or an online service

virtual community A virtual community is a social network of individuals who connect through specific social media, potentially crossing geographical and political boundaries in order to pursue mutual interests or goals. Some of the most pervasive virtual commu ...

.Jansen, E. & James, V. (2002). NetLingo: the Internet dictionary. Netlingo Inc., Oxnard, CA The phrase may also be used to refer to administrators of other

Internet The Internet (or internet) is the Global network, global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices. It is a internetworking, network of networks ...

-based network services.Rhodes, D. & Butler, D. (2002). Solaris Operating Environment Boot Camp. Prentice Hall Professional. Sysops typically do not earn money, but donate their activity to the community. Co-sysops are users who may be granted certain admin privileges on a BBS. Generally, they help validate users and monitor discussion forums. Some co-sysops serve as file clerks, reviewing, describing, and publishing newly

upload Uploading refers to ''transmitting'' data from one computer system to another through means of a network. Common methods of uploading include: uploading via web browsers, FTP clients, and terminals ( SCP/ SFTP). Uploading can be used in th ...

ed files into appropriate

download In computer networks, download means to ''receive'' data from a remote system, typically a server such as a web server, an FTP server, an email server, or other similar systems. This contrasts with uploading, where data is ''sent to'' a remote ...

directories.Gupta, A. (2004). Hacking In The Computer World. Mittal Publications. Historically, the term ''system operator'' applied to operators of any computer system, especially a

mainframe computer A mainframe computer, informally called a mainframe or big iron, is a computer used primarily by large organizations for critical applications like bulk data processing for tasks such as censuses, industry and consumer statistics, enterprise ...

. In general, a sysop is a person who oversees the operation of a server, typically in a large computer system. Usage of the term became popular in the late 1980s and 1990s, originally in reference to BBS operators. A person with equivalent functions on a network host or server is typically called a ''sysadmin'', short for

system administrator An IT administrator, system administrator, sysadmin, or admin is a person who is responsible for the upkeep, configuration, and reliable operation of computer systems, especially multi-user computers, such as Server (computing), servers. The ...

. Because such duties were often shared with that of the sysadmin prior to the advent of the

World Wide Web The World Wide Web (WWW or simply the Web) is an information system that enables Content (media), content sharing over the Internet through user-friendly ways meant to appeal to users beyond Information technology, IT specialists and hobbyis ...

, the term ''sysop'' is often used more generally to refer to an administrator or moderator, such as a forum administrator. Hence, the term ''sysadmin'' is technically used to distinguish the professional position of a network operator.Cavazos, E.A. Cyberspace and the Law: Your Rights and Duties in the On-line World. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA

References

Bulletin board systems Internet slang System administration {{Internet-stub

See also

References