What is the primary function of an operating system?

The primary function of an operating system is to manage computer hardware and software resources. It acts as an intermediary between users, applications, and the underlying hardware, ensuring that resources such as the CPU, memory, and storage are allocated efficiently.

This management includes overseeing hardware components like the processor, RAM, hard drives, and peripheral devices, enabling them to communicate with each other and ensuring that applications run smoothly without conflicts. The operating system also provides essential services like file management, device management, and process management, which are critical for the overall functionality of the computer.

While enhancing internet connectivity, providing antivirus protection, and scheduling tasks for processors are important aspects of the computing experience, they are secondary functions that rely on the operating system's primary role of resource management. For instance, internet connectivity is facilitated by the operating system communicating with network hardware, and antivirus protection often runs as an application that requires the operating system to manage its interactions with hardware and other software efficiently.