Answer :
Final answer:
An operating system (OS) is responsible for managing and coordinating computer resources, allocating memory and CPU time to applications, initiating the booting process, and serving as an intermediary between software and hardware.
Explanation:
Functions of an Operating System (OS)
The primary function of an operating system (OS) is to manage and coordinate the activities of a computer system. This involves several key tasks, such as allocating CPU time and computer memory to various applications, managing hardware resources, and ensuring that different software and users can share these resources effectively and securely.
An OS starts by initiating the booting process of a system, a sequence of operations that starts the computer. Once the system is running, the OS plays a critical role in resource allocation. It divides the CPU time among running applications and ensures that user files are kept secure on storage media while being protected from unauthorized access. The OS serves as an intermediary between user applications and the hardware to ensure smooth operation and prevent conflicts.
When a user starts an application, that application operates under the control of the user, but all requests to the hardware, such as reading files or displaying images, must go through the OS. The OS handles these requests to prevent the monopolization of resources. Similarly, different categories of operating systems, whether they are Linux-based, Windows-based, or Mac-based, offer various functionalities but share these core responsibilities.
