Define “input/output operations” in the context of an operating system.

Input/output operations in the context of an operating system refer to the management of data transfer between the computer's internal system and peripheral devices, such as keyboards, mice, printers, and storage devices. The operating system serves as an intermediary between applications and the hardware, facilitating communication and data exchange. This includes handling requests from applications to read from or write to devices, ensuring that these operations occur efficiently and without conflict.

The focus on managing data transfer is crucial because it encompasses both input – where data is received from external devices – and output – where data is sent from the computer to those devices. This functionality is integral to the overall operation of the system, as it directly impacts how users and applications interact with hardware components.

While the other options mention aspects related to operating systems and their functions, they do not accurately define the term "input/output operations." For instance, enhancing graphics performance pertains to rendering and image processing rather than the broader concept of managing data exchange. Network data communication, while important, is a specific aspect of input/output operations and does not encompass the entire scope of data transfer with peripheral devices. Finally, system hardware upgrades concern the improvement or modification of hardware components and do not directly relate to the operations of input and output as managed by