What is 'software'?

The term 'software' is defined as a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. This encompasses operating systems, application software, and utilities that enable users to accomplish a wide range of activities, from word processing to data analysis. Software is essential because it acts as the intermediary between the user and the computer hardware, allowing users to interact with the hardware efficiently.

The other choices relate to different aspects of computer systems. Hardware components refer to the physical parts of a computer, such as the CPU, RAM, and storage devices. Networking protocols pertain to the rules and conventions for communication between network devices, not the instructions that run on a computer. A list of computer viruses focuses on specific malicious software and their impacts rather than the broader definition of software as instructions that enable operations on computers.