What is the major function of a computer operating system?

The major function of a computer operating system is to manage computer resources. This entails overseeing the hardware and software components of the system to ensure that they work together efficiently and effectively. The operating system acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, providing a user interface and managing the execution of programs.

It handles resource allocation for the CPU, memory management, storage, and peripheral devices, ensuring that each application and process has the necessary resources to function properly while also maintaining system stability and security. By managing resources in an orderly manner, the operating system can prevent conflicts and ensure that tasks are executed seamlessly.

While data management, application program management, and network management are important aspects of computing, they sit under the broader umbrella of resource management provided by the operating system. Resource management encompasses these functions as it coordinates how data, applications, and networking features interact with the physical hardware. Thus, the core role of the operating system revolves around effectively managing all resources to optimize performance and facilitate user interactions.