Core responsibilities of an operating system: Which resources and devices are managed and coordinated by a general-purpose operating system during normal operation?

Introduction / Context:
An operating system (OS) is the mediator between applications and hardware. It schedules computation, manages storage, and exposes device services. Recognizing the breadth of OS responsibilities is foundational to systems study.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The OS is general purpose (desktop, server, or mobile class).
• It provides abstractions like processes, files, and device interfaces.
• It must ensure protection, fairness, and efficiency.

Concept / Approach:

An OS manages the processor (CPU scheduling, interrupts), memory (allocation, paging, protection), and I O devices (drivers, disks, networking). File systems, virtual memory, and device stacks are central components. Therefore, the correct answer is that the OS manages all of the listed items.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Standard OS textbooks and documentation enumerate CPU, memory, and device management as the three pillars of OS responsibilities, confirming the selection.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Any single item (Memory, Processor, or Disks and I O devices) is incomplete.
• None of the above is incompatible with the OS definition.

Common Pitfalls:

Overlooking modern extensions (security, power management) and confusing firmware responsibilities with OS responsibilities; nonetheless, the listed three remain core.

Final Answer:

All of the above