Sysop
A sysop (/ˈsɪs.ɒp/, SIS-op; an abbreviation of system operator, and sometimes further abbreviated to just op) is an administrator of a multi-user computer system, such as a bulletin board system (BBS) or an online service virtual community.[1][2] The phrase may also be used to refer to administrators of other Internet-based network 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 discussion forums. Some co-sysops serve as file clerks, reviewing, describing, and publishing newly uploaded files into appropriate download directories.[4]
Historically, the term system operator 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. 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 a network host or server is typically called a sysadmin, short for system administrator.[3]
Because such duties were often shared with that of the sysadmin prior to the advent of the World Wide Web, 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.[5]
On Wikipedia, the terms sysop and admin are used interchangeably. Applicants to the role on the English Wikipedia get discussed and voted on during a week-long process, with generally over 200 users offering an opinion. A minimum rate of support of 75% of commenters is required for an applicant to be confirmed automatically. The number of Wikipedia sysops is declining on the English Wikipedia: there were 1034 in June 2022, whilst there are 813 today.[6]
See also
[edit]- IRCop
- Internet slang
- Jargon
- Jargon File
- Network administrator
- Online service provider
- Virtual community
References
[edit]- ^ a b Jansen, E. & James, V. (2002). NetLingo: the Internet dictionary. Netlingo Inc., Oxnard, CA
- ^ a b "What is a Sysop? (with pictures)". EasyTechJunkie. Retrieved 30 January 2022.
- ^ a b Rhodes, D. & Butler, D. (2002). Solaris Operating Environment Boot Camp. Prentice Hall Professional.
- ^ Gupta, A. (2004). Hacking In The Computer World. Mittal Publications.
- ^ Cavazos, E.A. Cyberspace and the Law: Your Rights and Duties in the On-line World. MIT Press, Cambridge, MA
- ^ Harrison, Stephen (16 June 2022). "Inside Wikipedia's Historic, Fiercely Contested "Election"". Slate. Retrieved 4 March 2026.