What is the main function of an operating system in a computer?

The main function of an operating system is to manage computer operations. An operating system serves as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, ensuring effective utilization of resources, including the CPU, memory, disk space, and peripheral devices. It controls and coordinates the execution of processes, allows for multitasking, and handles input and output operations.

This management role involves not only allocating resources to various tasks but also maintaining system stability and security. By overseeing these aspects, the operating system enables users to perform tasks efficiently without needing to interact directly with hardware components. It provides a user interface, either graphical or command-line, that offers a way for users to interact with the computer and execute commands easily. Other functions, such as storing data permanently or providing internet connectivity, are secondary to its primary role of managing overall computer operations and resources.