Sysop (pronounced /ˈsɪsɒp/) is short for "System operator". It is a commonly used term for an administrator of a multi-user website, such as a bulletin board system (BBS) or special-interest area of an online service.

History

Historically, the term has also applied to operators of any computer system, especially a mainframe computer. In general, a sysop is a person who oversees the operation of a server, typically in a large computer system. Comparable with a system administrator, the term differs slightly as an administrator typically manages user access while a sysop manages the operation of the computer. Usage of the term peaked in the late 1980s, being mostly used to refer to BBS operators; someone doing equivalent functions on the Internet is primarily referred to as a "sysadmin", short for system administrator, or simply "admin".

Co-sysop

Co-sysops were users who were granted certain admin privileges on a BBS. Generally, they would help validate users and monitor discussion forums. Some served as file clerks, describing and inserting newly arrived shareware, Freeware, and other files into appropriate download directories.

References

• Jason Scott Sadofsky. "Sysops and Users", part 2 of BBS: The Documentary (film).

External links

• Novell's Discussion Forum SysOps migrated from Compuserve in the mid 1990s to Internet based discussions

See also

• Internet slang
• Neologism
• Network administrator
• Wikipedia's WikiProject Internet culture

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