What term describes software that operates without human intervention to perform tasks?

The term that accurately describes software designed to operate without human intervention to perform tasks is "Bot." Bots are automated programs that can execute predefined tasks independently, often over the internet. They can perform a variety of functions, such as replying to messages, scraping data, or conducting automated actions on websites. Their ability to work autonomously is crucial for their function, enabling them to execute tasks efficiently and swiftly without needing direct oversight.

In contrast, the other terms refer to different types of software with distinct characteristics. For instance, a Trojan is a type of malware that disguises itself as legitimate software to deceive users, while a virus requires user action to spread from host to host. A worm, similar to a virus, is a self-replicating malware that spreads across networks but typically does not need human intervention to propagate, unlike bots that are specifically designed to perform set tasks autonomously. The defining trait of bots is their programmability and designed autonomy, which makes them integral in automation and various online processes.