What action is taken to demonstrate a soft reset on the ECS?

The correct action to demonstrate a soft reset on the ECS involves restarting the operating system. A soft reset is typically designed to refresh the software and restore operational functions without affecting the overall system state or data integrity. This method is often used to resolve minor issues or glitches, as it does not require complete downtime or disruption to the hardware.

In contrast, power cycling the entire system would imply a hard reset, which interrupts power and could lead to loss of unsaved data. Clearing all stored data represents a more drastic measure, as it would involve resetting the system to its default state, which is not typical for a soft reset. Lastly, manually rebooting hardware components suggests a more involved level of maintenance that goes beyond what is typically done for a soft reset, as it may not address software-related issues directly. Thus, choosing to restart the operating system effectively captures the essence of a soft reset, making it the correct choice.