Which category of software allows other types of software to interface with the computer hardware?

Productivity software includes applications such as word processors, spreadsheets, and presentation software that help users create documents and manage tasks. While important for user efficiency, productivity software does not interact directly with hardware; rather, it relies on system software to function.

Shareware is a software distribution model that allows users to try software before purchasing it. Although it can include various types of applications, shareware does not refer to a category of software that interacts with hardware; its primary focus is on the distribution and trial of software products.

Collaboration software facilitates communication and teamwork among users, such as through project management tools or shared document editing platforms. Like productivity software, collaboration tools operate on top of system software, relying on it to access hardware resources but not serving as a direct interface themselves.