Which of the following is NOT a function of an operating system?

The reason running web browsers is identified as not a function of an operating system lies in the distinction between system-level functions and application-level functions. An operating system provides foundational support for hardware and handles resources such as memory management, user interfaces, and hardware device management.

In contrast, web browsers are applications built on top of the functionality provided by the operating system. They operate within the environment that the OS creates but do not influence the core operations of the operating system itself. Thus, while the browser relies on the OS to manage resources and provide functionality, running a web browser is attributed to application software rather than the responsibilities typically assigned to an operating system. This differentiation is essential in understanding the roles that various software components play in computing.