What is a primary function of computer software?

The primary function of computer software is to act as a set of programs that instruct the hardware on what tasks to perform. Software enables users to carry out a wide range of activities, from document creation and data management to running applications for communication and entertainment.

The significance of software lies in its ability to facilitate interaction between the user and the computer hardware. Unlike physical components, which include items like the motherboard, CPU, or hard drive, software is intangible and exists as code that runs on these components. Typing skills refer more to user proficiency in using a keyboard rather than a function of software itself. Similarly, faxing documents is a specific, often outdated function that relies on software but is not a primary characteristic of what software is overall. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the essential role software plays in computing, as it encompasses all the programs installed on a computer that enable it to perform various functions.