What needs to be installed on a PC to manage computer hardware and software resources?

To manage computer hardware and software resources effectively, an operating system must be installed on a PC. The operating system serves as the fundamental software that allows the user to interact with the computer and enables hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, storage devices, and peripherals, to communicate with each other. It provides a user interface, manages system resources, executes applications, and facilitates tasks such as file management and system security.

The other items listed, while important for the overall functionality of a computer, do not serve the primary role of resource management. Antivirus software focuses on protecting the system from malicious threats but does not manage hardware and software resources. Drivers are necessary for the operating system to communicate with specific hardware devices, but they are not standalone software capable of managing all resources. Firmware updates enhance the functionality and stability of hardware components but are not responsible for overall system management. Thus, the operating system is essential for managing the full range of system resources on a PC.