What role does system monitoring play in troubleshooting?

System monitoring is essential to troubleshooting because it provides real-time insights into the performance and behavior of a system. By continuously tracking various metrics—such as CPU usage, memory consumption, disk I/O, and network traffic—monitoring tools can identify abnormal patterns or performance degradations that may indicate underlying issues. This proactive detection allows IT professionals to address potential problems before they escalate into more significant failures, minimizing downtime and maintaining system stability.

The other options do not accurately capture the comprehensive role of system monitoring in troubleshooting. Hardware maintenance, interaction with end-users, and data backup are important components of IT management but do not encompass the proactive, ongoing observational nature that system monitoring provides. This monitoring empowers teams to make informed decisions and interventions based on data, leading to effective resolution of issues as they arise.