Which of the following best describes the major components of a typical modern operating system?

Introduction / Context:
An operating system is composed of several subsystems, each responsible for managing a different type of resource or providing a particular service. Knowing these components helps structure your understanding of operating system features and where different functionalities belong, such as scheduling or file handling.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Operating systems must manage CPU time, memory, storage, and devices.
• They provide abstractions for processes, files, and devices.
• They also offer user interfaces and security mechanisms.

Concept / Approach:
The major components of a modern operating system typically include: process and CPU management, which handles creation, scheduling, and termination of processes and threads; memory management, which controls allocation, protection, and virtual memory; file systems and storage management, which organize data into files and directories on disks and other media; device and input or output management, which coordinates access to hardware devices; and security and user interface components, which enforce access control and provide shells, command line interpreters, or graphical interfaces.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: List key resource types: CPU, memory, storage, and I or O devices.Step 2: Identify that the operating system must include modules to manage each of these resources.Step 3: Add cross cutting components such as security and user interface, which are also integral parts of the operating system.Step 4: Compare this list with the options and pick the one that includes all these components.

Verification / Alternative check:
Most operating systems textbooks organize their chapters by components such as process management, memory management, file systems, input or output systems, and security. Many diagrams show these blocks as core subsystems surrounding the kernel. This matches the explanation given and confirms that the correct option is the one listing these main components.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B: Word processors and spreadsheets are application software, not operating system components.Option C: A web browser and media player are also applications and cannot function as an operating system on their own.Option D: Refers to hardware power and cooling systems, which are not software components of the operating system.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse applications shipped with an operating system with the operating system itself. While distributions may include many applications, those are not part of the core OS. It is also common to underestimate the importance of security and interface components and focus only on CPU and memory management. A complete view includes all major subsystems.

Final Answer:
The correct answer is Process and CPU management, memory management, file system and storage management, device and I or O management, and security and user interface components.