Which software is stored permanently on hardware?

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) is firmware that is permanently stored on a computer's motherboard. It is responsible for initializing hardware during the boot process before handing control over to the operating system. As a form of firmware, BIOS is designed to remain intact on the hardware, typically stored in non-volatile memory such as ROM or flash memory, which means it doesn’t get erased when the computer is powered off.

In contrast, application software and operating systems can be installed or uninstalled on a computer; they reside on the storage devices and can be modified or replaced. Utility software serves a similar purpose, providing tools for system maintenance or management, but it also does not have the permanence associated with firmware like BIOS. Thus, the correct choice reflects a component that is fundamentally built into the hardware itself, ensuring it is available for system initialization each time the computer is powered on.