Final answer:
The term describing how users utilize powerful computers and software over the Internet without relying on their own hardware is known as cloud computing, which is a major evolution from earlier forms of personal computing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the ability for users to connect to and access the more powerful computers, software, and storage of other computers on the Internet is called cloud computing. Cloud computing represents a shift from traditional personal computing, which relied on an individual's local machine, to a model where computing resources are provided as a service over the Internet, allowing users to access and utilize these resources without owning or maintaining them directly. Personal computing has evolved significantly since the advent of minicomputers and the introduction of fully assembled personal computers by manufacturers like Apple and IBM, leading to more sophisticated and interconnected systems that enhance productivity and create new possibilities for industries and individual users alike.