What does 'plug and play' technology refer to?

'Plug and play' technology refers to a feature that enables devices to be automatically recognized and configured by a system without requiring manual intervention from the user. When a plug-and-play device is connected to a computer, the operating system identifies the device, loads the necessary drivers, and makes it ready for use without the user needing to perform any setup steps. This greatly simplifies the process of adding new hardware, such as printers, mice, or external drives, making technology more accessible and user-friendly.

The other choices represent different concepts that do not align with the essence of 'plug and play' technology. For instance, installing software on multiple devices simultaneously pertains to distribution and deployment strategies, while optimizing CPU performance focuses on the efficiency of processing tasks. Cleaning the system registry automatically relates to maintenance and performance enhancement of the system rather than the recognition and integration of hardware devices. Thus, the primary characteristic of 'plug and play' is the seamless integration and usability of hardware components.