What is the role of an operating system?

The role of an operating system is to manage hardware and software interactions within a computer system. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling applications to function efficiently. The operating system is responsible for resource management, including the CPU, memory, storage, and input/output devices. By coordinating these resources, it ensures that different software applications can operate simultaneously without conflict, managing how they access hardware resources and communicate with each other.

Furthermore, the operating system provides a user interface, allowing users to interact with the system and manage files and applications easily. It also includes crucial system services such as security, task scheduling, and process management, which are vital for maintaining the stability and security of the system. Thus, its primary purpose is foundational to the overall functionality of computers and devices.