What is the primary purpose of an operating system?

The primary purpose of an operating system is to manage computer hardware and software resources. This involves coordinating the use of hardware components such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices, as well as overseeing the execution of software applications.

An operating system acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling users to interact with the system and run programs effectively. It allocates resources to various tasks, manages file systems, controls peripheral devices, and ensures that different applications can operate without interfering with one another. This foundational role is essential for the overall functionality of the computer.

The other choices represent functions that may be associated with computer systems but do not capture the primary role of an operating system. For instance, while providing internet access can be a feature facilitated by an operating system, it is not its primary function. Similarly, storing data permanently and managing user accounts are both important tasks but they fall within the broader scope of resource management that the operating system oversees.