Which component is NOT considered software?

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is considered hardware, not software. It is the physical component of a computer that executes instructions and processes data. The CPU is responsible for carrying out operations that the software commands, but it does not function as software itself, which consists of programs and applications designed to perform specific tasks on hardware.

In contrast, an operating system, web browser, and mobile application are all types of software. The operating system manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs. A web browser is a software application that enables users to access and navigate the web. A mobile application is designed to run on mobile devices and serves various user needs, all of which require a software foundation to communicate with and leverage the underlying hardware like the CPU effectively.