Operating systems — purpose: What is the primary purpose of an operating system?

Introduction / Context:
An operating system (OS) is the core system software that mediates between applications and hardware. While usability is a benefit, the foundational role is resource management to achieve efficiency, fairness, and protection.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The OS manages CPU, memory, storage, and I/O devices.
• It schedules processes, allocates memory, and orchestrates device access.
• The question asks for the primary purpose, emphasizing core responsibility.

Concept / Approach:

The OS optimizes and arbitrates hardware usage to meet objectives such as throughput, response time, and reliability. It provides abstractions (files, processes, sockets) so applications can run efficiently without handling hardware details. Usability is improved as a consequence of these abstractions, but the fundamental mission is efficient hardware utilization and control.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Standard OS texts define an OS as a resource manager and control program, prioritizing efficiency and protection. User convenience is a key design goal but flows from these responsibilities.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Make computer easier to use: True but secondary to resource management.
• Keep system programmers employed: Facetious and incorrect.
• Allow people to sue the computers: Typographical humor, not relevant.
• None of the above: Incorrect since efficient hardware use is correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Equating “primary purpose” with user-facing features only; the OS serves both users and applications by efficiently managing scarce resources.

Final Answer:

make the most efficient use of the hardware