What encapsulates all functions that manage computer resources?

The operating system is the comprehensive software that manages computer hardware and software resources. It serves as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, ensuring that the physical components of the computer are used efficiently. The operating system handles various tasks, including managing memory, processing, software applications, and input/output devices.

By facilitating communication between hardware and software, the operating system enables the execution of applications and the overall functioning of a computer system. It also provides essential services like file management and security, making it a crucial component in the architecture of computer systems.

In contrast, while hardware interfaces provide a way for software to interact with hardware components, they do not encapsulate all functions of resource management. Firmware refers to low-level software that is closely tied to specific hardware and does not have the broader management responsibilities of an operating system. Finally, the system BIOS is responsible for hardware initialization and provides a basic runtime environment for the operating system during boot-up, but it lacks the full suite of system management functionalities that the operating system encompasses.