Which of the following is a function of an operating system?

• A. Coordinating the resources and activities on a computer
• B. Storing documents permanently
• C. Printing on a printer
• D. Running a standby timer

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that the operating system is the manager of a computer’s resources and activities. It sits between applications and hardware, deciding who gets the CPU time, how memory is allocated, and how input and output operations are handled. By coordinating these resources, the OS lets multiple programs run at once without interfering with each other, provides a consistent way for software to access devices, and keeps the system responsive and efficient. For example, when you run a browser and a document editor together, the OS schedules CPU time, moves data between memory and storage, and routes keystrokes and display updates to the right programs and devices.

While printing and storing documents involve devices and file systems, and timers can be used by software, these are specific tasks or capabilities that arise from the broader role of coordinating resources and activities. The core function is the orchestration of hardware and software to run programs smoothly and securely.