Final answer:
The operating system plays a critical role in the launch of Microsoft Word by managing resources, scheduling tasks, and facilitating communication between the application and computer hardware.
Step-by-step explanation:
The role of the operating system when launching a program like Microsoft Word is that it manages computer operations and facilitates program execution.
When you attempt to open Microsoft Word, the operating system locates the program files on the storage drive, allocates system resources such as memory and processor time, and creates an environment where the program can run.
This process involves scheduling tasks, managing memory, and interacting with input and output devices. Without the operating system, applications like Microsoft Word wouldn't be able to communicate with the hardware of the computer or benefit from the necessary system services to function properly.