What is the main function of an operating system?

The main function of an operating system is to manage hardware and software resources. An operating system acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware. It allocates resources such as CPU time, memory space, and input/output devices, ensuring that system resources are used efficiently and effectively.

This management enables the operating system to run multiple applications simultaneously and allows users to interact with both the hardware and software seamlessly. By coordinating these resources, the operating system also facilitates communication between different software applications, enabling them to operate cohesively.

While performing calculations, hosting web applications, and securing data are important functions in a computing environment, they do not define the primary role of an operating system. The operating system provides the essential foundation that allows hardware and software to communicate and function together, which is crucial for any computational tasks or applications to run.