What is the primary role of an operating system?

The primary role of an operating system is to manage computer hardware and software resources. An operating system acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling the execution of application programs and providing services for computer programs. It oversees system resources such as the CPU, memory, disk space, and peripheral devices, ensuring that each application receives the necessary resources to function properly and efficiently.

Moreover, the operating system provides essential functions like process management, memory management, file system management, and device management. By handling these aspects, it allows users to interact with the computer system easily, facilitating multitasking and ensuring the stability and performance of the system as a whole. This critical role supports a wide range of applications while maintaining system integrity and performance.