Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What is an operating system?

1. An application that enhances internet browsing

2. A set of software programs that control hardware and apps

3. A type of cloud storage service

4. A tool for building web applications

The correct answer is: A set of software programs that control hardware and apps

An operating system is indeed a set of software programs that manage computer hardware and provide services for application software. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, allowing users to perform tasks on their devices without needing to understand the intricate details of the hardware's functionality. The operating system handles various functions such as resource allocation, memory management, task scheduling, and input/output operations, thereby ensuring that both hardware and software work together seamlessly. By managing the hardware resources, the operating system enables applications to run effectively. It ensures that applications do not conflict with one another and can operate within their allocated memory space. The ability to support multiple applications running simultaneously is a critical feature of modern operating systems, which enhances overall system performance and user experience. In contrast, the other options describe different types of software functionalities that do not encompass the full scope of what an operating system does. Enhancing internet browsing, providing cloud storage services, or building web applications all pertain to specific software solutions rather than the overarching functionality of an operating system, which is foundational to the operation of computers and other devices.