Final answer:
Cache memory is not directly controlled by the operating system, but it does manage its usage and policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cache memory is a small high-speed memory located on the CPU or between the CPU and RAM, which stores frequently used data for quick access. While the operating system does not have direct control over cache memory, it does play a role in managing and optimizing its usage.
The operating system sets cache policies that determine how data is stored in the cache and when it is updated or evicted. It also manages cache coherence to ensure that multiple cores or processors can access the same data consistently.
However, the cache memory itself is controlled by the CPU hardware, specifically its cache controller, which handles the actual caching operations.