What is the purpose of snap-ins in Windows operating systems?

The purpose of snap-ins in Windows operating systems is primarily related to managing and configuring various system components through the Microsoft Management Console (MMC). Snap-ins are modular components that provide a specialized interface for specific management tasks. By using snap-ins, users can access tools that allow them to configure different sub-systems of the operating system, such as user account management, system performance monitoring, and network settings, among others.

The flexibility of snap-ins enables administrators to customize the management console to suit their organizational needs, adding or removing tools as necessary for efficient system administration. This extends the capabilities of the MMC, making it a powerful utility for overseeing various facets of the Windows environment.