Asysop (/ˈsɪs.ɒp/,SIS-op; an abbreviation ofsystem operator, and sometimes further abbreviated to justop) is an administrator of a multi-user computer system, such as abulletin board system (BBS) or anonline servicevirtual community.[1][2] The phrase may also be used to refer to administrators of otherInternet-basednetwork services.[3] Sysops typically do not earn money, but donate their activity to the community.[2]
Co-sysops are users who may be granted certain admin privileges on a BBS. Generally, they help validate users and monitor discussionforums. Some co-sysops serve as file clerks, reviewing, describing, and publishing newlyuploaded files into appropriatedownload directories.[4]
Historically, the termsystem operator applied to operators of any computer system, especially amainframe computer. 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.[1] A person with equivalent functions on anetwork host orserver is typically called asysadmin, short forsystem administrator.[3]
Because such duties were often shared with that of the sysadmin prior to the advent of theWorld Wide Web, the termsysop is often used more generally to refer to an administrator ormoderator, such as aforum administrator. Hence, the termsysadmin is technically used to distinguish the professional position of a network operator.[5]
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