Which term refers to the capability of operating systems to detect new, compatible devices automatically?

The term that refers to the capability of operating systems to detect new, compatible devices automatically is "Plug and play." This technology allows the operating system to identify and configure hardware with minimal user intervention. When a new device is connected, the operating system recognizes it, installs any necessary drivers, and makes it ready for use almost instantly. This significantly simplifies the process of adding new peripherals, as users do not have to manually change configurations or install drivers themselves.

In contrast, "Hot swap" refers to the ability to replace or add hardware devices without shutting down the system, while "Firmware update" deals with upgrading the software that is embedded in hardware. "Access control," on the other hand, pertains to the methods used to determine who is allowed to access certain resources or devices within a system. Thus, among the provided options, "Plug and play" most accurately captures the automatic detection and configuration of new hardware by an operating system.