Terminology check What do we collectively call all computer programs and associated data used by a machine, including the operating system, applications, and utilities?

Introduction / Context:
Clear distinctions between software, firmware, and hardware are foundational in IT and electronics. The term “software” encompasses everything from the operating system to user applications and scripts.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Programs are sequences of instructions executed by the CPU.
• Data includes configuration, resources, and files used by those programs.
• These items exist as information, not physical components.

Concept / Approach:
Software is the general term for programs and their data. Firmware is software stored in nonvolatile memory on hardware devices (for example, router firmware). Hardware is the physical infrastructure that executes the software.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Intro to Computing references define software as OS + applications + utilities + data files associated with them.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Firmware: A special class of software embedded in hardware; not all programs.
• Hardware: Physical parts, not programs.
• None of the above: Incorrect because “software” is standard.

Common Pitfalls:
Calling firmware “hardware” because it resides on a chip; the storage medium is hardware, the content is software.

Final Answer:
software