The operating system allows the user to interact with the application programs and computer hardware through a user interface.

This statement is essentially defining the role of an operating system (OS). The operating system serves as an intermediary between users and the computer hardware, enabling users to interact with various application programs effectively. Here are some key points to elaborate on this concept:

1. User Interface: The user interface (UI) can be graphical (GUI), where users can interact with visual elements like windows, icons, and buttons, or command-line based (CLI), where users input text commands to perform tasks.

2. Application Programs: These are software designed to perform specific tasks for users, such as word processing, browsing the internet, or playing games. The OS manages how these programs are executed and how they access hardware.

3. Hardware Interaction: The OS manages the hardware components, such as the CPU, memory, and storage devices, ensuring that applications have the necessary resources to function properly. It handles tasks like scheduling, memory management, and input/output operations.

4. Resource Management: The OS efficiently allocates resources, so multiple applications can run simultaneously without conflicts, ensuring system stability and performance.

Overall, the operating system plays a crucial role in facilitating user interaction with both application software and hardware components, making it an essential part of modern computing environments.