What kind of software works in conjunction with hardware to provide services over a network?

Server software is designed to work alongside hardware components to deliver specific services or resources over a network. This can include functionalities such as managing resources, hosting applications, and providing data storage to clients connected to the network. For example, web servers deliver web pages, database servers provide access to databases, and file servers manage file storage and access.

Utility software, on the other hand, typically manages, maintains, or protects computer resources rather than facilitating communication or service delivery over a network. While operating system software does manage hardware and interactions with applications, it is broader in scope and not specifically tailored to offer services over a network like server software does. End-user software focuses on the user-facing side of applications, providing tools for end-users to perform tasks but not necessarily acting in a server capacity to provide networked services.

In summary, server software directly provides essential services, making it a crucial component of network operations, whereas the other types of software serve different, more specific roles.