What defines a 'process' in the context of computer systems?

In the context of computer systems, a 'process' is defined as a currently executing computer program. This means that a process includes not only the program's code but also its current activity, which encompasses its execution state, allocated resources (such as memory and file handles), and the program counter that indicates the next instruction to execute.

Processes are dynamic entities that can be created, executed, paused, and terminated by the operating system. This definition reflects the active nature of a process, contrasting with a static set of instructions, which does not consider the execution context and runtime components involved. A process enables the operating system to manage multitasking and resource allocation effectively, allowing multiple programs to run simultaneously while maintaining stability and performance in the system.

The other options do not represent the concept of a process adequately. A static set of instructions points to the code itself but lacks the execution context that defines a process. A database transaction refers to a series of operations performed as a single logical unit of work, and a networking protocol describes the rules governing data communication between devices, neither of which encapsulate the concept of a currently executing program.