Which operating system function is vital for maintaining network security?

The function that plays a vital role in maintaining network security is access controls. Access controls are mechanisms that determine who can view or use resources in a computing environment. They help regulate user permissions, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access certain data, applications, and systems. By defining these permissions, access controls protect sensitive information from unauthorized access and potential cyber threats, making them essential for safeguarding network security.

Access controls can be implemented through various methods, such as user authentication (requiring passwords or biometric identification), role-based access (where permissions are assigned based on user roles), and policies that dictate what actions can be performed on specific resources. This layered approach not only helps in fortifying a network against external attacks but also ensures that users cannot inadvertently compromise sensitive data.

In contrast, other functions like task scheduling, file system management, and memory paging do not directly contribute to controlling access or protecting data integrity in the context of network security. Task scheduling focuses on the execution and management of processes, file system management deals with how data is stored and retrieved, and memory paging relates to memory management within the operating system. While these functions are important for overall system performance and stability, they are not specifically designed to ensure network security.