The purpose of an operating system (OS) is to manage computer hardware and software resources while providing a consistent interface for users. It serves as a bridge between the computer's physical components and the applications that operate on it. The OS handles tasks such as memory management, process scheduling, and input/output operations, ensuring that multiple applications can run simultaneously without conflict. Additionally, it provides security features and user interfaces, making it essential for the overall operation of a computer system. Examples include Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions.