What is the primary purpose of Time Machine in Mac OS X Leopard?

The primary purpose of Time Machine in Mac OS X Leopard is to back up files that have changed. Time Machine is designed as an automatic backup solution that continuously saves copies of your files and system settings, allowing users to recover lost files or restore their entire system to a previous state.

By keeping track of changes, Time Machine stores multiple versions of files, which means you can go back in time to retrieve earlier versions of documents, photos, or any other data that may have been altered or deleted. The intuitive interface and the seamless integration with the file system make it a valuable tool for data recovery and protection, ensuring that important files are never permanently lost due to accidental deletion or system failure.

Other options, while they may seem related to system functionality, do not capture the core function of Time Machine as effectively. For instance, while optimizing system performance, managing applications, and enhancing internet security are important aspects of a well-rounded computing experience, they do not specifically relate to the backup capabilities that Time Machine was designed to provide.