What is the purpose of an operating system?

An operating system serves as a critical intermediary between users and the computer hardware. Its primary purpose is to manage hardware and software resources effectively. This includes coordinating the use of the CPU, memory, storage devices, and input/output devices to ensure that different programs and applications can run smoothly without interference.

The operating system allows multiple software applications to operate concurrently, allocating system resources as needed and maintaining stability and efficiency in the task execution process. It also provides a user interface, enabling users to interact with the system through commands or graphical elements.

While other options touch on functions related to a computer, they do not encompass the broader role that an operating system plays in resource management. For instance, while processing graphical output is a function of many systems, it's just one aspect of what an operating system does. Similarly, storing all computer data and providing physical device connections are capabilities that depend on the operational management provided by the operating system.