Explanation:

The question asks for the software component responsible for instructing the computer on how to manage and utilize its various hardware and software components. This points to the core control software of a computer. Option (c) Operating system: The Operating System (OS) is the master control program of a computer. It acts as an intermediary between the computer hardware and the user/application programs. Its primary functions include managing the computer's hardware resources (like CPU, memory, storage, input/output devices), providing a platform for application software to run, and coordinating tasks. The OS literally 'tells the computer how to use its components' by allocating resources, scheduling tasks, handling input and output operations, and ensuring that all parts of the system work together harmoniously. Without an OS, the computer hardware would be a collection of inert parts, unable to perform any meaningful tasks. Therefore, the operating system is the correct answer. Option (a) utility: Utility software is a type of system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain the computer. While utilities help manage specific aspects of the computer (e.g., disk defragmentation, antivirus protection), they operate *under the control* of the operating system. They do not, themselves, provide the fundamental instructions for how the entire computer system uses its components. Instead, they leverage the services provided by the OS to perform their specialized tasks. Thus, a utility program does not have the overarching control described in the question. Option (b) application: Application software is designed to perform specific tasks for the end-user, such as word processing, web browsing, or gaming. Applications interact with the computer's components indirectly, by making requests to the operating system. They do not directly 'tell the computer how to use its components' at a fundamental level. For example, a word processor tells the OS to save a file, and the OS then manages the interaction with the hard drive. An application's focus is on user tasks, not system-level component management. Therefore, this option is incorrect. Option (d) network: A network is a system of interconnected computers and devices that can share resources and data. It is an infrastructure for communication, not a program that controls how a single computer uses its internal components. While networking software (which is part of the OS or an application) enables communication over a network, the network itself is not the entity that dictates how a computer's CPU, memory, or storage are used internally. Therefore, this option is incorrect as it refers to a connectivity concept rather than a controlling program. Option (e) none of these: This option would be correct only if none of the other options accurately described the software that tells the computer how to use its components. However, the operating system perfectly fits this description as the central manager and coordinator of all computer resources. Therefore, a correct answer is present, making 'none of these' incorrect.