What type of software is primarily responsible for managing the hardware components of a computer?

The correct answer, System Software, is primarily designed to manage and control computer hardware components. It operates at a fundamental level, facilitating communication between the operating system and the computer's physical hardware, such as the CPU, memory, disk drives, and peripheral devices. The most well-known type of system software is the operating system itself, which provides a user interface, manages resources, and coordinates tasks and processes across hardware components.

In contrast, application software refers to programs designed for end-users to perform specific tasks, such as word processing or web browsing, rather than managing hardware. Utility software assists in maintaining, analyzing, and optimizing the computer's performance but does not handle the core hardware management functions. Meanwhile, malware is malicious software intended to harm or exploit computer systems, and does not serve a constructive purpose in the management of hardware. Thus, System Software is the key type of software responsible for the effective management and organization of a computer's hardware resources.