Which of the following refers to programs that run on a computer?

The term that refers to programs that run on a computer is software. Software encompasses all the various applications, systems, and programs that instruct a computer on how to perform tasks. This includes everything from operating systems, like Windows or macOS, to productivity applications like word processors and spreadsheets, as well as more specialized software used for specific functions.

In contrast to hardware, which refers to the physical components of a computer (like the CPU, memory, and hard drive), software is comprised of the non-tangible elements that tell the hardware what to do. Firmware is a specific type of software that provides low-level control for a device's specific hardware and usually resides in the hardware itself, providing the necessary instructions to enable that hardware to communicate with other devices. A network refers to a system of interconnected computers and devices that can share resources and information but does not describe programs themselves. By understanding software in this context, it becomes clear that it is the fundamental component responsible for making a computer functional and user-friendly.