What is software?

• A. Programs and apps that instruct a computer to perform tasks. Processes data into meaningful information
• B. The core of an operating system
• C. A hardware component
• D. A user manual

Answer: (A)

Software are the programs and apps that tell a computer what to do. It provides the instructions that make hardware perform tasks and turn raw data into meaningful information. This includes operating systems, productivity apps, games, and drivers—the pieces that run on the computer rather than being the physical components themselves. That's why this description fits best: it captures both the instructional role and the data-processing function of software. The other options point to non-software things—hardware is physical circuitry, a user manual is documentation, and the kernel is just a part of an operating system rather than the whole concept of software.