IBM Introduction to Hardware & Operating Systems Practice Test 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

An operating system plays a vital role in managing security functions within a network, primarily through access control and user authentication. Access control refers to the mechanism that determines who is allowed to access certain data and resources in a system, ensuring that unauthorized users cannot gain access to sensitive information. This can involve defining permissions and roles for different users or groups, thereby maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of data.

User authentication is the process of verifying the identity of a user attempting to access the system. This can include various methods such as passwords, biometrics, or two-factor authentication, which help ensure that only legitimate users are granted access to the system. This combination of access control and user authentication is crucial in protecting networked systems from unauthorized access and potential breaches, making it a fundamental aspect of operating system security management.

In contrast, the other choices involve functions that, while important, do not typically fall under the direct security management responsibilities of an operating system. Data encryption and compression pertain more to data handling processes rather than security management specifically. Backup is related to data recovery, and software installation pertains to system management tasks rather than direct security functions. Internet speed optimization is focused on performance rather than security.