What combines with your operating system to form a complete system that determines what your computer can do?

The correct choice is computer hardware, as it combines with the operating system to create a complete system that enables a computer to perform tasks. The operating system serves as an intermediary between the hardware and the software applications you run on the device, managing resources and facilitating communication.

Computer hardware includes all the physical components of a computer, such as the CPU, RAM, motherboard, and input/output devices. These hardware elements work together with the operating system to process data, execute programs, and handle user interactions. Without the right combination of hardware and an operating system, a computer would lack the functionality needed to operate effectively.

While software applications are essential for performing specific functions, they rely on the underlying hardware and operating system to execute correctly. Network protocols are crucial for communication over networks but do not directly affect the capabilities of the computer itself. Storage devices are critical for saving and retrieving data but are just one part of the broader hardware ecosystem. Thus, it is the integration of computer hardware and the operating system that defines the overall capabilities of a computing system.