What term describes the intangible instructions that guide hardware operations?

The term that best describes the intangible instructions that guide hardware operations is software. Software consists of the programs and operating information that tell the hardware how to perform specific tasks. This includes everything from operating systems and application programs to utilities that manage system resources. Software is what enables hardware to execute commands and carry out various functions, making it crucial for the overall operation of a computer or device.

Firmware, in contrast, refers to a specific type of software that is embedded into hardware devices, providing low-level control for the device's functions. While firmware is indeed instructions for hardware, it is not classified under the broader category of software that encompasses all programs and applications.

Hardware itself differs as it refers to the physical components of a computer system. Metadata pertains to data that provides information about other data, but it does not directly guide hardware operations. Thus, software is the correct term for the intangible instructions that direct how hardware operates.