The primary purpose of an operating system (OS) is to manage computer hardware and software resources and provide essential services for application programs. The OS acts as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, managing processes, memory, storage, and user interfaces. It enables users to interact with the computer and run applications efficiently. Furthermore, the operating system ensures stability and security by managing permissions and executing software applications in a controlled environment. Popular operating systems include Windows, macOS, and various distributions of Linux.