What type of software is specifically designed to disrupt or damage computer systems?

Malware, short for malicious software, is specifically designed to disrupt, damage, or gain unauthorized access to computer systems. This category encompasses various types of harmful software, including viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, and spyware. Unlike utility software, which assists in the management and optimization of computer systems, malware serves the purpose of causing harm or exploiting system vulnerabilities. While operating systems are essential software for managing hardware and software resources on a computer, they are not intended for malicious purposes. Productivity applications are designed to help users perform tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations, and have no relation to disrupting or damaging systems. Therefore, malware is the term that precisely encapsulates software created with the intent to harm or compromise computer systems.