Which component of the operating system is responsible for resource management?

The kernel is the core component of an operating system responsible for managing system resources. It acts as an intermediary between hardware and software components, ensuring that different programs and processes efficiently share the system's resources such as CPU, memory, and I/O devices. The kernel handles tasks like scheduling processes, managing memory allocation, and facilitating communication between hardware components and software applications. Its ability to manage resources effectively is crucial for maintaining system stability and performance.

The graphical user interface primarily focuses on how users interact with the system through visual elements, making it less involved in low-level resource management. Application software is designed to perform specific tasks but relies on the operating system's kernel to manage the resources it needs. The hardware abstraction layer is a part of the system that provides simplified programming interfaces for hardware management, but it does not handle resource management tasks directly; instead, it helps the kernel to interact with hardware more seamlessly. Thus, the kernel stands out as the key component responsible for resource management in an operating system.