What is the general term for programs used to operate a computer?

The general term for programs used to operate a computer is an Operating System (OS). An OS is a software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for running application software. It serves as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the user, allowing users to interact with the computer and run programs. Some common examples of operating systems include Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS. The OS controls the allocation of resources, manages memory and storage, facilitates communication between hardware components, and provides a user interface for interacting with the system. It also manages tasks such as file management, networking, security, and system updates.