An operating system (OS) is the fundamental software that manages a computer's hardware and software resources. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, ensuring efficient execution of applications. The OS handles tasks such as memory management, process scheduling, input/output operations, and file management. It provides a user interface (like a command line or graphical interface) and manages system security, ensuring proper access to resources. Common examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.