Which of the following is NOT a basic function of an Operating System (OS)?

The correct response focuses on the understanding of the fundamental roles played by an Operating System (OS). Operating Systems serve as intermediaries between the user applications and the computer hardware, providing essential services that allow for the efficient operation and management of computer resources.

One of the primary functions of an Operating System is to control hardware access. This involves managing the communication between software applications and physical components like the CPU, memory, storage, and peripherals.

Additionally, Operating Systems are responsible for managing files and folders, which includes organizing data storage, facilitating file creation, deletion, and retrieval, as well as handling permissions regarding who can access files.

Providing a user interface is another critical function of an OS. This can come in the form of graphical user interfaces (GUIs) or command-line interfaces (CLIs), enabling users to interact with the computer and run applications effectively.

In contrast, developing network protocols primarily falls outside the scope of basic OS functionality. While an OS may implement existing protocols to enable networking features, the actual development and specification of these protocols are generally handled by networking standards organizations or specialized software development groups. Hence, this is why the option regarding developing network protocols is not considered a basic function of an Operating System.