What is a key function of an operating system?

A key function of an operating system is managing hardware and software resources. The operating system acts as an intermediary between the computer hardware and application software, overseeing the system's resources such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices. It ensures that each application has the necessary resources it needs to function and also handles the execution of multiple tasks simultaneously through multitasking.

This capability allows the operating system to allocate system resources efficiently, ensuring optimal performance and stability. By controlling how programs are prioritized and how resources are distributed among them, the operating system prevents conflicts and ensures smooth operation of applications.

While application-level tasks, network connections, and antivirus checks are important functions within a computer system, they are typically managed at a level above or alongside the operating system rather than being its primary role. Applications run on top of the operating system, network connections are often handled through specific services provided by the OS, and antivirus functions are usually considered separate applications or services that make use of the operating system’s capabilities.