Which of the following is an example of background software?

Background software, often referred to as system software or utility software, operates in the background to manage system resources and assist in the functioning of various applications without direct user interaction. Diagnostic routines are designed to monitor the system's performance and identify any potential issues, and they often run unobtrusively while the operating system is in use. This makes them a quintessential example of background software.

In contrast, options like word processors, web browsers, and game software are all applications that a user actively engages with. They require direct user input and interaction to perform their functions, and thus, do not fit the definition of background software. Diagnostic routines, on the other hand, typically gather and analyze information about the computer's operation and health without requiring direct user commands, hence they represent the essence of software that runs in the background.