Windows 7 is an example of an operating system, as are the Mac OS and Linux. List the three main tasks that the operating system performs in controlling the computer’s resources and behavior. Provide a short explanation of each.

What will be an ideal response?

The most fundamental task performed by the operating system is to schedule the operation of the CPU, controlling how data and instructions are loaded from memory and accessed by the CPU. The operating system also manages the memory of the computer, organizing storage into files and directories (or folders). Finally, the operating system connects the CPU and memory with the other hardware components of the computer, allowing software applications to access memory and interact with the input/output devices.