Software applications that allow users to access and surf the World Wide Web are called:

Browsers are software applications specifically designed to allow users to access, navigate, and view content available on the World Wide Web. They interpret and render HTML pages, enabling users to interact with websites, view multimedia content, and use web applications. Common browsers include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.

In contrast, search engines are tools that help users find information on the internet by indexing web pages, while platforms generally refer to environments that allow software applications to run. Web servers are the systems that store and deliver web content to browsers upon request. Understanding the distinct functionalities of these components clarifies why browsers are the correct answer for accessing and surfing the web.