Which term refers to software that can install itself on a computer network without human intervention?

The term that refers to software capable of installing itself on a computer network without human intervention is "worm." Worms are a type of malware specifically designed to replicate and spread across networks independently. Unlike a virus, which requires a host file to attach itself to, a worm can propagate through network vulnerabilities or by exploiting system weaknesses, often causing harm or disruption as they spread. Their self-replicating nature allows them to quickly infect a large number of devices without needing a user to execute a file or program.

In contrast, the other terms do not describe this self-propagating behavior. A virus typically needs user action to be activated, as it attaches itself to other programs or files. Malware is a broader category that encompasses various malicious software, including viruses, worms, and spyware, but it does not specifically define the self-installation characteristic. Spyware, while it can covertly gather user information, usually requires some degree of user action to install and does not inherently spread across networks like worms do.