Which method does NOT strengthen the security of the operating system?

Overclocking the processor does not strengthen the security of the operating system; in fact, it can lead to potential vulnerabilities and instability. Overclocking increases the processor's performance by running it at a higher speed than it was designed for, which can cause overheating and may lead to system crashes or hardware failures. This instability can make the operating system more susceptible to security threats, as a malfunctioning system may not handle security measures effectively.

On the other hand, updating security patches addresses known vulnerabilities in the operating system, allowing it to protect against various threats. Installing antivirus software provides an additional layer of protection by detecting and preventing malware. Configuring the firewall helps to control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules, effectively blocking unauthorized access to the system. Each of these methods contributes to enhancing the overall security posture of the operating system, unlike overclocking, which does not offer any security benefit and can introduce risks.