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

A primary function of an operating system is to provide a platform for application execution. This means that the operating system manages the hardware resources of a computer and facilitates the running of software applications by providing essential services such as memory management, process scheduling, and input/output handling. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, allowing different applications to run smoothly while sharing the underlying resources like CPU, memory, and storage.

In this role, the operating system provides the necessary environment for applications to perform their tasks without needing to concern themselves with the details of the hardware. By doing so, it ensures that applications can operate effectively and efficiently, allowing users to perform various tasks on their computers, from running word processors to playing games.

The other options describe functions that are not primarily associated with operating systems. While some may relate to computing in general, such as securing network connections or creating software applications, these are not fundamental responsibilities of an operating system itself. The focus of the operating system remains on managing system resources and enabling applications to run correctly and efficiently.