Final answer:
An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources. Operating systems are major targets for both general purpose computers and embedded systems due to their critical role and access to sensitive data.
Step-by-step explanation:
An operating system is a software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the user, allowing the user to interact with the computer system.
Operating systems are major targets for both general purpose computers and embedded systems due to their widespread use and critical role in managing system resources. On general purpose computers, operating systems are targeted because they have access to sensitive data and control over system operations, making them attractive targets for hackers and malware developers. For embedded systems, operating systems are targeted because they are often used in devices connected to the internet, such as routers and IoT devices, making them vulnerable to attacks that aim to exploit security weaknesses.