What is meant by software in the context of computers?

In the context of computers, software refers to a set of computer instructions or programs that enable a computer to perform specific tasks or functions. This includes operating systems, applications, and programming languages that dictate how the hardware components work together to perform calculations, manipulate data, and execute commands. Software can be thought of as the intangible part of a computer system, in contrast to hardware, which comprises the physical devices you can touch.

The importance of software lies in its ability to translate user inputs into functions that the computer's hardware can execute, thus allowing users to interact with and utilize the machine effectively. This distinction highlights why the selection capturing the essence of software as instructions is the most accurate among the choices presented.