Final answer:
The operating system is responsible for process management, memory management, and file system management, which ensure the computer system runs efficiently and effectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
An operating system (OS) is a crucial component of the computer system that manages computer hardware, software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. The main functions of an operating system include:
- Process Management: The OS handles the creation, scheduling, and termination of processes. It efficiently manages multiple processes, ensuring they can run concurrently without interference.
- Memory Management: It manages the memory hierarchy of the computer system. The OS allocates memory when a process or program requests it and deallocates it when it is no longer needed.
- File System Management: The operating system manages the storage and retrieval of data. It provides an organized way of storing files on a disk and means of accessing these files and directories.
These functions are critical for the stability, efficiency, and user experience of computers.