What is the term for programs and operating systems that instruct hardware on what to do?

The term that best describes programs and operating systems that instruct hardware on what to do is software. Software encompasses a broad range of programs, including operating systems, applications, and system utilities, all designed to perform tasks and manage the hardware components of a computer system. This includes everything from the operating system that controls the overall system functions to individual applications that run on top of it.

While firmware is also involved in controlling hardware, it specifically refers to low-level software programmed directly into hardware devices, providing the necessary instructions for how the device operates. Middleware serves as a bridge between software applications and the underlying systems, though it isn't directly responsible for instructing hardware. Tools generally refer to utility programs that assist users with specific tasks but do not encompass the full scope of what software entails. Thus, software represents the most comprehensive and accurate term in this context.