Which of the following best describes services in an operating system?

Services in an operating system are fundamentally processes that provide essential functions and capabilities to both the OS itself and to applications running on it. They are typically started automatically when the operating system boots up, allowing them to be ready and available to provide various functionalities as required. These services usually run in the background, meaning they do not engage directly with the user through a graphical interface or require direct interaction. Instead, they perform ongoing tasks such as managing network connections, handling print jobs, or monitoring system performance without user intervention.

This distinction emphasizes the role of services as integral components that enhance the operating system's efficiency and functionality, contrasting with applications that are user-initiated and often run in the foreground. The background operation of services is crucial because it allows users to interact with other applications seamlessly while essential functions continue to be managed by the OS without additional input from the user.