Which term refers to software designed to control a device?

The term that refers to software designed to control a device is "Driver." A driver acts as an intermediary between the operating system and the hardware components of a computer or device. It enables the operating system to communicate efficiently with hardware, allowing the user to perform tasks such as printing documents or using peripherals like a mouse or keyboard. Without the appropriate driver software installed, the device may not function correctly or at all, as the operating system would not be able to send the necessary commands to the hardware.

Other terms such as "Child," "Patch," and "Licensable" do not apply in this context. "Child" in software terminology typically refers to a component that is subordinate to another component in a hierarchy, often in the context of object-oriented programming but is not related to device control. "Patch" denotes a piece of software designed to fix vulnerabilities or bugs, or to improve the functionality of an existing program, but it does not serve to control hardware directly. "Licensable" refers to software that can be licensed for use but again does not pertain to the control of devices.

Thus, identifying "Driver" highlights the critical role such software plays in enabling hardware functionality and communication within a computing environment.