Final answer:
Operating systems are designed to manage and establish network connections, using protocols like TCP/IP to facilitate communication across local and remote networks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Operating Systems typically provide a means to establish network connections. These connections can be local, such as connecting to a printer on a home network, or remote, like accessing a web server on the internet. Operating systems come with a set of protocols that manage how data is transmitted and received over these networks.
Most operating systems work with a variety of networking protocols, with the most common being TCP/IP, which stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. TCP/IP enables different devices to communicate over diverse networks seamlessly, forming the fundamental communication language of the internet.
Furthermore, operating systems provide user-friendly interfaces and utilities that help users create, manage, and troubleshoot network connections easily. They play a critical role in ensuring that the connectivity is secure, reliable, and as efficient as possible, handling everything from automatic configuration through DHCP to ensuring data security with built-in firewalls and encryption tools.