What term refers to a program that performs a function directly for a user, with examples including FTP and e-mail clients?

The term that refers to a program that performs a function directly for a user is "Application." Applications are software designed to help users perform specific tasks or functions. Examples such as FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients and e-mail clients serve particular user needs—transferring files over the internet and managing email communications, respectively. These applications interact directly with the user, providing tools and interfaces that facilitate various activities.

In contrast, "System" typically pertains to system software that manages and supports the hardware components of a computer, such as the operating system. "Utility" refers to software designed to help manage, maintain, and control computer resources. Utilities often assist with tasks like file management and disk maintenance but are not focused on user-facing functionalities in the way applications are. "Middleware" acts as a bridge between different software applications or services, facilitating communication and data management in distributed systems, rather than serving direct user functions.