What does a computer's power supply do?

The function of a computer's power supply is to convert electrical energy from the wall outlet into a usable form for the computer’s components. It provides the necessary power to the motherboard, processor, hard drives, and other peripherals, ensuring they operate effectively. This is critical because without a reliable power source, the computer cannot function, regardless of the type or amount of data being handled.

In contrast to the other options, storing data refers to devices like hard drives or solid-state drives, which keep data for retrieval and use. Transferring data is primarily managed by the computer's bus systems, network interfaces, and other I/O systems that move data between various components. Dealing with input/output operations involves components such as the CPU, RAM, and peripheral interfaces that process user input and output displays. Thus, the unique role of a power supply focuses solely on delivering the electrical power essential for overall system operation.