What is the function of an operating system?

An operating system serves as a critical intermediary between the computer hardware and the applications running on it. Its main function is to manage hardware resources, which includes handling the CPU, memory, disk space, and input/output devices. By managing these resources, the operating system ensures that each application has the necessary resources to execute without conflicts and operates efficiently.

For instance, when you run a program, the operating system allocates the required memory, schedules CPU time, and manages data transfer to and from storage devices. This resource management is vital for multitasking, enabling multiple applications to run simultaneously without interfering with each other.

While providing internet access, enhancing graphic performance, and optimizing power usage are important functions that may be supported by an operating system, they are more specialized features rather than the primary function of the operating system itself. The core role of managing hardware resources is fundamental, as it supports these additional functionalities effectively.