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The purpose of an operating system is to manage hardware and software resources on a computer. This is the foundation of what an operating system does; it serves as a bridge between the hardware of the computer and the applications that run on it. The operating system facilitates communication between the user and the computer hardware, ensuring that all components work together efficiently. It handles tasks such as memory management, process scheduling, input/output operations, and file management, enabling users to execute programs and manage files seamlessly.

While creating documents may be a function of applications running on an operating system, it does not encapsulate the broader role that an operating system plays. Similarly, managing applications is just one aspect of an operating system's responsibilities; it also includes managing the underlying hardware. Providing internet access is another function enabled by the operating system, but it is not its sole purpose. The operating system's primary role encompasses the comprehensive management of both hardware and software resources, which is why it is critical for the overall functionality of a computer system.