ACM Transactions on Computer Systems (TOCS) presents research and development results on the design, implementation, analysis, evaluation, and use of computer systems and systems software. The term "computer systems" is interpreted broadly and includes operating systems, systems architecture and hardware, distributed systems, optimizing compilers, and the interaction between systems and computer networks. Articles appearing in TOCS will tend either to present new techniques and concepts, or to report on experiences and experiments with actual systems. Insights useful to system designers, builders, and users will be emphasized.

TOCS publishes research and technical papers, both short and long. It includes technical correspondence to permit commentary on technical topics and on previously published papers.