What is the primary purpose of file management in Operating Systems?

The primary purpose of file management in operating systems is to store and organize files. This entails not only the allocation of space on disk drives for files but also maintaining a hierarchy or structure that allows users and applications to easily access, modify, and manage data. Effective file management ensures that files are stored in a systematic manner, allowing the operating system to keep track of the locations of files, handle naming conventions, and provide mechanisms for retrieving and organizing these files efficiently.

While aspects like increasing processing speed, providing security protocols, and assisting in network configuration are important functions of an operating system, they are secondary to the fundamental role that file management plays in data organization and accessibility. Proper file management supports the overall functionality of the operating system by ensuring that data is organized correctly and can be accessed by both users and applications as needed.