What is the primary purpose of the Finder application on macOS?

The Finder application on macOS is fundamentally designed for managing files and folders. It serves as the primary interface for users to access, organize, and navigate through their stored data on the Mac. Finder enables users to open applications, manage documents, and create folders, making it an essential part of the macOS experience. While it can provide previews of files, including images and videos, its core functionality revolves around file system management.

The other options describe functionalities that fall outside the primary duties of Finder. Editing photos and videos is typically done through dedicated applications such as Photos or iMovie, not the Finder. Browsing the internet is managed by web browsers like Safari or Chrome, and controlling system settings is handled through the System Preferences application, which is distinct from the Finder's file management capabilities. Thus, the primary purpose of Finder is indeed to manage files and folders efficiently.