What do we call programs or instructions that enable computer hardware to perform tasks intelligently?

The term that refers to programs or instructions that enable computer hardware to perform tasks intelligently is software. Software serves as the intermediary between the user and the computer hardware, allowing for the execution of various functions. This includes everything from operating systems that manage the hardware resources to applications that perform specific tasks such as word processing or database management.

In contrast, hardware refers to the physical components of a computer, such as the central processing unit (CPU), memory, and storage devices, which are necessary for a computer to function but do not perform tasks without software instruction. Applications are a subset of software specifically designed to carry out particular tasks for users, but they are not the overarching term that encompasses all types of software. Firmware, while also a type of software, is specifically related to the low-level programs that are embedded into hardware devices, providing control and functionality that is not meant to be modified frequently. Thus, the correct choice effectively captures the broader category of programs that include all types of software enabling intelligent processing by hardware.